Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $70,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $70,521/year (≈ $33.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $70,170 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapist assistants in Pawtucket, RI, can anticipate a median annual salary of $70,521 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national figure of $70,247. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $47,698 at the 10th percentile to $95,466 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflect the local economic landscape and cost of living adjustments calculated for the area. With the expectations for productivity per visit impacting compensation structures, the market for physical therapist assistants in Pawtucket showcases opportunities for growth, especially for those who can effectively manage patient caseloads and enhance clinical outcomes.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,698 | $22.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,004 | $28.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,521 | $33.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,659 | $38.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,466 | $45.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,768 (2026 est.). At $70,521, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $70,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $70,592 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +0.39% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $70,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $70,592.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,521 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,170 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,020
2025 BLS Actual
$68,647
2026 Current Est.
$70,521
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,419 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,015 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,446 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $59,020 (2019) to $68,647 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,446 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,426 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $47,698 – $60,004 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,004 – $70,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,521 – $80,659 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,659 – $95,466 |
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 Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, 16 physical therapist assistants are currently employed, demonstrating a supportive local job market despite the presence of cost-of-living pressures, with a slight index of 100.5 above the national average. Those interested in maximizing their earnings should consider the types of facilities that pay the highest, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs. Factors such as patient volume, the impact of the Medicare 15% reimbursement cut, and the varied demands across settings play significant roles in determining pay disparities. Harnessing weekend or PRN work opportunities can also boost overall compensation, as can pursuing advanced training courses leading to PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways. This strategic approach to professional development can further elevate the appeal and effectiveness of a physical therapist assistant's contributions in the Pawtucket market.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Pawtucket, RI in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Pawtucket?
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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 $68,647 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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