Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hamilton, NJ: $78,657 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Hamilton, NJ earns a median $78,657/year (≈ $37.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Hamilton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $68,279 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hamilton, NJ, physical therapist assistants can expect a median annual salary of $78,657 in 2026, reflecting the local job market's adjustments following the Medicare cuts that affected the pay structure in various settings. Salaries within the field range widely, from $55,989 at the 10th percentile to $101,987 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant variation in compensation. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, are influenced by the local cost of living and market demand, especially as practitioners adapt to the changes in outpatient care and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The salary reflects a robust opportunity for PTAs, given Hamilton's relatively high employment rate in this occupation compared to other regions.
About the Hamilton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,989 | $26.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,079 | $33.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,657 | $37.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,449 | $43.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,987 | $49.03 |
Median Salary Position
11.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hamilton
In Hamilton, NJ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,998 (2026 est.). At $78,657, the local median is 11.97% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hamilton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hamilton Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Hamilton median: $78,657/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hamilton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $80,923 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +11.97% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Hamilton, NJ earn a median of $78,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the New Jersey state average of $80,923.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hamilton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hamilton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,657 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,279 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,829
2025 BLS Actual
$76,567
2026 Current Est.
$78,657
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hamilton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,829 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,657 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,805 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hamilton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $65,829 (2019) to $76,567 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,805 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,976 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamilton 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) | $55,989 – $69,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,079 – $78,657 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,657 – $90,449 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,449 – $101,987 |
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 Hamilton
The local job market for physical therapist assistants is somewhat competitive, with 21 professionals currently employed in Hamilton. This figure underscores the community's reliance on rehabilitation services, particularly amidst a cost of living index of 115.2, which means that while salaries may be favorable, they are also necessary to keep up with living expenses. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most competitive pay, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, while skilled nursing facilities may pay less due to the ongoing impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts. Factors such as productivity expectations and additional performance-based pay can also drive the disparity between lower and higher compensation. For those looking to optimize their earnings, pursuing employment in high-demand settings such as outpatient clinics or seeking roles that include weekend shifts can enhance overall pay. Furthermore, taking potential bridge pathways to transition from PTA to DPT could expand career opportunities and financial benefits in Hamilton, NJ.
More salary data for Hamilton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Hamilton, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Hamilton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Hamilton?
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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 $76,567 for physical therapist assistantsin the Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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