Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $78,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $78,270/year (≈ $37.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.9), that paycheck buys what $73,243 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is projected to reach $78,270, significantly above the national median of $70,247. The salary range for this occupation in Bridgeport spans from $64,463 at the 10th percentile to $90,125 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive job market for the profession. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Following the recent Medicare cuts, the dynamics of outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities have shifted, impacting the job landscape for physical therapist assistants.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,463 | $30.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,006 | $37.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,270 | $37.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,889 | $40.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,125 | $43.33 |
Median Salary Position
11.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,662 (2026 est.). At $78,270, the local median is 11.42% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be above the median
How Bridgeport Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $78,270/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $77,649 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +11.42% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $78,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $77,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 6.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 106.864 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,270 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,243 — a 6.42% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,980
2025 BLS Actual
$76,190
2026 Current Est.
$78,270
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 12.1% from $67,980 (2019) to $76,190 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,427 (18.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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) | $64,463 – $77,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,006 – $78,270 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,270 – $83,889 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,889 – $90,125 |
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 Bridgeport
With approximately 240 physical therapist assistants currently employed in Bridgeport, the local job market remains robust despite economic fluctuations. The cost of living index in the area stands at 106.864, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can affect take-home pay for professionals. Among the various employment settings, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units typically offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to the salary disparities include the expected productivity in different settings, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, and considerations around weekend or per diem pay. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, focusing on specialized practice areas, seeking employment in higher-paying facilities, and pursuing further education to enhance qualifications can be advantageous strategies in Bridgeport's market.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Bridgeport?
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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 $76,190 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bridgeport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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