Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in New Castle, PA: $29.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in New Castle, PA runs $29.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against New Castle's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Castle, Pennsylvania, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.14 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This rate affects various working arrangements within the profession, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in outpatient facilities, skilled nursing rehab units, and home health environments. With the hourly wage ranging from $21.41 for entry-level positions to $34.83 for top earners, these rates inform how PTAs balance their work schedules and financial needs. The hourly rates provided are estimated from annual salary data, which helps convey realistic expectations for professionals entering or currently working in this essential healthcare role.
About the New Castle Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.41 | $171.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.04 | $216.31 |
| Median (P50) | $29.14 | $233.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.99 | $255.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.83 | $278.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Castle
Based on $29.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.14/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Castle, PA can expect to earn approximately $60,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,973. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Castle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Castle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,165.78 | $5,052 | $60,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.47 | $3,031 | $36,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.31 | $2,021 | $24,248 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (New Castle) | $29.14 |
| 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 New Castle, PA earn a median of $60,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.71% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.30% below the Pennsylvania state average of $63,336.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.14/hr = $36,372/year (purchasing power: $37,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,621/year (purchasing power: $62,239).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Castle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Castle grew 16.3% from $24.39/hr (2019) to $28.37/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.94/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 New Castle 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 New Castle
Examining the financial outcomes for part-time physical therapist assistants in New Castle, those working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, can expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Many per-diem physical therapist assistants earn between $32 and $48 per hour. However, agency positions—particularly post-Medicare cuts implemented in 2022—often offer less favorable hourly compensation in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates vary across different employer types in New Castle, with outpatient clinics often providing more competitive pay compared to home health agencies or hospitals. As some PTAs accept lower hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance, negotiating based on local demand and patient needs becomes critical. Being informed on current trends and understanding employer expectations can enhance a PTA's earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for New Castle, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in New Castle in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in New Castle?
Are physical therapist assistants in New Castle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in New Castle?
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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 New Castle. 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 New Castle 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