Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $37.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Manchester, CT runs $37.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,293 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Manchester, CT, the projected hourly pay stands at $37.64, a noteworthy figure when compared to the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This difference can significantly impact part-time or per-diem workers, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals, where flexible schedules are common. The hourly wage range varies, with entry-level positions starting at about $25.89 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $49.29. The pay data for physical therapist assistants is derived from annual salary figures, providing a solid benchmark for future earnings in this rewarding healthcare sector.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.89 | $207.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.46 | $259.70 |
| Median (P50) | $37.64 | $301.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.49 | $347.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.29 | $394.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $37.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $78,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,168. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,505.61 | $6,524 | $78,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $903.37 | $3,915 | $46,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.24 | $2,610 | $31,317 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Manchester) | $37.64 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Manchester, CT earn a median of $78,293 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $77,671.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.64/hr = $46,975/year (purchasing power: $43,536).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,292/year (purchasing power: $72,560).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manchester grew 16.3% from $31.50/hr (2019) to $36.64/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.67/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Manchester
Earnings for part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week—roughly 24 hours—can amount to an annual income of around $46,900, which is substantially less than the earnings of those employed full-time. Per diem positions also provide a flexible alternative, with pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour; however, it may vary significantly based on the employer, as hospital or skilled nursing facility environments affected by recent Medicare cuts could offer lower rates than private outpatient clinics. The disparity extends further to how PTAs prioritize benefits versus hourly pay, often taking lower rates in exchange for health insurance or other coverage. Additionally, it’s wise for workers in Manchester to hone their negotiation skills around hourly pay, especially given the fluctuating landscape of per diem physical therapist assistant pay in the region.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Manchester?
Are physical therapist assistants in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Manchester?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Manchester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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