Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rochester, NY: $60,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Rochester, NY earns a median $60,806/year (≈ $29.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $62,664 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Rochester, NY, are projected to earn a median salary of $60,806. This figure is substantially below the national median of $70,247, reflecting a pay gap of approximately 13.44%. Notably, the salary range for this role in Rochester spans from $50,954 at the 10th percentile to $71,634 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market with varying compensation levels. These insights are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, which highlight the city's productivity expectations influencing income potential. As Rochester's healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for skilled PTAs remains stable, creating opportunities for career advancement and salary growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,954 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,053 | $27.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,806 | $29.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,826 | $30.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,634 | $34.44 |
Median Salary Position
13.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,680 (2026 est.). At $60,806, the local median is 13.44% below 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: $60,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $62,686 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -13.44% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Rochester, NY earn a median of $60,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.44% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the New York state average of $62,686.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $60,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,664 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,390
2025 BLS Actual
$59,190
2026 Current Est.
$60,806
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
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 | $52,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 13.0% from $52,390 (2019) to $59,190 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,076 (19.23%) 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) | $50,954 – $58,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,053 – $60,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,806 – $63,826 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,826 – $71,634 |
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
With 210 physical therapist assistants currently employed in Rochester, the local job market offers a reasonable outlook for those entering the profession. Given the cost of living index for Rochester is 97.035—below the national average—lower living expenses can enhance the purchasing power for residents. The highest-paying employers include outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation hospitals. Factors contributing to wage discrepancies typically include workplace setting, productivity expectations, and the recent impact of the 15% Medicare cut, which has led to reduced reimbursement rates for PTA services. To maximize earning potential, aspiring PTAs in Rochester might consider seeking positions in high-demand settings such as outpatient clinics and pursuing additional certifications or bridge programs that advance their qualifications. Emphasizing efficiency and establishing a reputation for delivering high-quality patient care may further enhance salary prospects in this competitive market.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Rochester, NY in 2026?
Is Rochester, NY a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Rochester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Rochester?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour 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 $59,190 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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