Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Montpelier, VT: $28.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Montpelier, VT runs $28.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,756 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Montpelier's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Montpelier, Vermont is projected to be $28.25, considerably lower than the national median of $33.77. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by professionals in the region, particularly those working part-time or per diem schedules. For instance, a part-time PTA working three days a week typically earns around $28.25 per hour, leading to a more manageable work-life balance but potentially lower overall income compared to full-time positions. Entry-level practitioners may start at approximately $21.33 per hour, while more experienced PTAs can reach an impressive $34.39 per hour, reflecting their skill levels and the complexity of the services provided in various settings. These estimates are derived from the annual salary projections and give a nuanced view of the financial landscape for PTAs operating in local outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare environments.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.33 | $170.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.88 | $199.05 |
| Median (P50) | $28.25 | $226.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.40 | $251.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.39 | $275.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montpelier
Based on $28.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.25/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montpelier, VT can expect to earn approximately $58,762 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,901. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montpelier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montpelier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,130.03 | $4,897 | $58,762 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.02 | $2,938 | $35,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.01 | $1,959 | $23,505 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Montpelier) | $28.25 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Montpelier, VT earn a median of $58,756 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.36% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $63,796.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.25/hr = $35,257/year (purchasing power: $34,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,762/year (purchasing power: $56,774).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Montpelier grew 16.3% from $23.64/hr (2019) to $27.50/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Montpelier
Focusing on the practical realities of working as a PTA in Montpelier, those choosing to work part-time can expect their annual earnings to vary significantly based on their hours. For example, a 24-hour workweek could result in an annual take-home income that, while modest compared to a full-time position, allows for flexibility and varied experiences across different settings. In the per diem market, physical therapist assistants often command rates between $32-$48 per hour, with travel contracts that might pay $1,200-$1,800 weekly. However, many employed at skilled nursing facilities may face lower pay due to the recent 15% Medicare cuts affecting PTA reimbursements. Different employment types significantly influence hourly rates; outpatient clinics may offer higher wages, while those who opt for positions with benefits may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and stability. Successful negotiations can hinge on highlighting unique skills and specialties, ensuring PTAs secure pay that reflects their capabilities and compensates for the regional market conditions.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Montpelier in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Montpelier?
Are physical therapist assistants in Montpelier paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Montpelier?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Montpelier?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Montpelier. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montpelier is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov