Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hempstead, NY: $60,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Hempstead, NY earns a median $60,512/year (≈ $29.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Hempstead's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $52,211 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hempstead, NY, the projected median salary for physical therapist assistants is $60,512 in 2026, reflecting a promising career trajectory for those considering this path. With a salary range extending from $42,252 at the lower end (P10) to $80,039 at the higher end (P90), there is a noteworthy disparity that can significantly affect lifetime earning potential. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living considerations, suggest that while Hempstead's pay is lower than the national median of $70,247, the employment landscape provides opportunities for growth and specialization. Moreover, the transition from a physical therapist assistant to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can further enhance salary potential, fostering long-term career advancement within the healthcare sector.
About the Hempstead Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,252 | $20.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,667 | $25.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,512 | $29.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,391 | $33.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,039 | $38.48 |
Median Salary Position
13.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hempstead
In Hempstead, NY, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,787 (2026 est.). At $60,512, the local median is 13.86% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hempstead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hempstead Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Hempstead median: $60,512/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hempstead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $62,707 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -13.86% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Hempstead, NY earn a median of $60,512 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the New York state average of $62,707.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hempstead has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hempstead, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,512 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,211 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,643
2025 BLS Actual
$58,904
2026 Current Est.
$60,512
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hempstead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hempstead metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,643 (2019) to $58,904 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,521 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hempstead 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) | $42,252 – $52,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,667 – $60,512 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,512 – $70,391 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,391 – $80,039 |
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 Hempstead
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Hempstead is relatively modest, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index set at 115.9, which can impact take-home pay significantly. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most lucrative compensation packages, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) may face limitations due to the ongoing effects of the Medicare 15% reimbursement cut implemented in 2022. This cut has placed a strain on PTA pay within SNFs and outpatient settings, creating a wider pay gap that reflects both setting and productivity expectations. To maximize earning potential in Hempstead, PTAs should consider seeking employment in higher-paying outpatient facilities and explore mentorship opportunities while remaining aware of supervision requirements under state laws and CMS guidelines.
More salary data for Hempstead, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Hempstead, NY in 2026?
Is Hempstead, NY a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Hempstead?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Hempstead?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Hempstead?
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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 $58,904 for physical therapist assistantsin the Hempstead 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 Hempstead 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