Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rochester, NH: $72,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Rochester, NH earns a median $72,555/year (≈ $34.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $67,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Rochester, NH, reaches a median of $72,555, offering an attractive financial prospect in comparison to the national median of $70,247—representing a 3.29% increase. The local salary range spans from $54,583 at the 10th percentile to $92,932 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various experience levels and clinical settings. It’s important to note that these figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for cost of living in the region. The evolution of the job market, such as the PTA-to-DPT bridge, can significantly boost long-term earning potential, positioning those who take this educational pursuit to eventually enhance their clinical responsibilities and salary prospects.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,583 | $26.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,631 | $31.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,555 | $34.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,028 | $39.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,932 | $44.68 |
Median Salary Position
3.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NH, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,349 (2026 est.). At $72,555, the local median is 3.29% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Rochester median: $72,555/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $75,343 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +3.29% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Rochester, NH earn a median of $72,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $75,343.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,555 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,619 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,722
2025 BLS Actual
$70,627
2026 Current Est.
$72,555
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,833 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,536 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $60,722 (2019) to $70,627 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,536 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,814 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,583 – $65,631 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,631 – $72,555 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,555 – $83,028 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,028 – $92,932 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Rochester
While only seven physical therapist assistants are reported to be employed in Rochester, the local job market indicates a stable demand for skilled professionals amidst a cost-of-living index of 107.3, suggesting that living expenses are above the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay, especially in settings where reimbursement policies have been affected by Medicare cuts, including the 15% reduction in PTA-provided services since 2022. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, followed by skilled nursing facilities, though the latter may have lower pay due to those cuts. To optimize earnings in Rochester, physical therapist assistants should consider enhancing their qualifications and seeking positions in preferred settings. Understanding the dynamics of reimbursement and balancing productivity expectations is essential for maximizing compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Rochester, NH in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Rochester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Rochester?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $70,627 for physical therapist assistantsin the Rochester metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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