Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $35.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Salem, NH runs $35.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Salem, New Hampshire, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $35.36. This figure is notably higher than the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating a competitive pay scale in the region. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a viable income, especially in typical settings such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Entry-level physical therapist assistants starting at approximately $24.45 can gradually progress to experienced professionals who may earn as much as $43.97 hourly. It's important to keep in mind that these projections reflect estimated hourly rates driven from annual salary data, illustrating a promising earning potential for those entering the field in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.45 | $195.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.43 | $243.43 |
| Median (P50) | $35.36 | $282.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.74 | $317.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.97 | $351.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $35.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.36/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $73,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,432. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,414.39 | $6,129 | $73,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $848.63 | $3,677 | $44,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $565.75 | $2,452 | $29,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Salem) | $35.36 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $73,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $75,364.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.36/hr = $44,129/year (purchasing power: $41,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,548/year (purchasing power: $68,544).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Salem grew 16.3% from $29.59/hr (2019) to $34.42/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.32/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 Salem 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 Salem
For those considering part-time work, becoming a physical therapist assistant present lucrative opportunities. A PTA working 24 hours per week could bring home an approximate annual income of $44,889, which still offers a solid income compared to the demands of the job. Per diem physical therapist assistants typically see pay ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing for flexibility in work schedules while earning competitive wages. However, it's crucial to consider the impact of the Medicare reimbursement cuts effective in 2022, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, which have influenced pay scales negatively. Hourly pay can also differ depending on the employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing better rates than non-profit organizations or school therapy programs. Some physical therapist assistants may opt for lower hourly rates linked to guaranteed health benefits, while others may prefer higher pay for a gig-based schedule devoid of benefits. When negotiating pay, professionals in Salem should emphasize their specific skill sets and be aware of local trends, as it can significantly influence the offered rates.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Salem?
Are physical therapist assistants in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Salem?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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