Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Manchester, NJ: $77,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Manchester, NJ earns a median $77,960/year (≈ $37.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,674 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Manchester, NJ are projected to earn a median annual salary of $77,960, which exceeds the national median of $70,247 by about 10.98%. The local salary range is considerable, spanning from $58,423 at the 10th percentile to $102,733 for the 90th percentile. This data, derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS figures and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlights how productivity can directly influence pay. With the rising demand for PTAs, those who can efficiently manage visit loads and provide high-quality care will find greater earning potential in the Manchester job market.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,423 | $28.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,596 | $33.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,960 | $37.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,360 | $41.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,733 | $49.39 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,310 (2026 est.). At $77,960, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Manchester median: $77,960/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $80,955 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +10.98% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $77,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $80,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,960 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,674 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,245
2025 BLS Actual
$75,888
2026 Current Est.
$77,960
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,245 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,333 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,897 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,888 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,088 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $65,245 (2019) to $75,888 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,088 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,843 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $58,423 – $70,596 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,596 – $77,960 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,960 – $86,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,360 – $102,733 |
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 Manchester
Examining the local employment context reveals that only nine physical therapist assistants are currently working in Manchester, suggesting a competitive yet limited job market. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries are promising, the purchasing power may be affected, especially when expenses are taken into account. Among the highest-paying employers are outpatient orthopedic clinics, which tend to offer better compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities, particularly given the 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services. Factors contributing to the pay gap include setting variability, productivity expectations, and associated supervisory demands. To enhance earnings, PTAs in Manchester should aim for roles in outpatient settings and consider positions with higher patient throughput or specialized certifications that command a premium.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Manchester?
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Related Pages
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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 $75,888 for physical therapist assistantsin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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