Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Middletown, CT: $36.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Middletown, CT runs $36.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,090 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, Connecticut, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $36.93, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This higher pay reflects the local demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and pediatric therapy environments. For part-time workers who typically operate on a three-day workweek, this hourly rate can translate into a reliable source of income, offering substantial weekend or supplemental earning opportunities through per-diem work options. The hourly wage varies notably within the field, ranging from $26.41 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.00 for highly experienced PTAs, providing ample opportunities for seasoned professionals to maximize their income based on skill and experience.
About the Middletown 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) | $26.41 | $211.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.39 | $259.13 |
| Median (P50) | $36.93 | $295.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.08 | $336.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.00 | $375.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $36.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.93/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, CT can expect to earn approximately $76,817 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,318. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,477.26 | $6,401 | $76,817 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $886.35 | $3,841 | $46,090 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.90 | $2,561 | $30,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Middletown) | $36.93 |
| 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 Middletown, CT earn a median of $76,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.10% below the Connecticut state average of $77,661.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.93/hr = $46,090/year (purchasing power: $42,716).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,817/year (purchasing power: $71,193).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Middletown grew 16.3% from $30.91/hr (2019) to $35.95/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.94/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Considering the financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem roles in Middletown, a physical therapist assistant working three days per week, or 24 hours, can expect to earn around $45,000 annually at $36.93 per hour. However, those who engage in per-diem or agency work may find the compensation even more lucrative, with rates typically ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Travel contracts for PTAs may provide significant earnings as well, with weekly paychecks reaching between $1,200 and $1,800. It's crucial for current and aspiring PTAs to understand that hourly pay rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer different rates compared to skilled nursing facilities, especially after the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement that has affected earnings in settings heavily reliant on Medicare funding. As many may have to choose between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without, effective negotiation skills can enable PTAs to secure the best possible compensation reflective of their expertise and the local market conditions in Middletown.
More salary data for Middletown, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Middletown in 2026?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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