Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Merrimack, NH: $73,462 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Merrimack, NH earns a median $73,462/year (≈ $35.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Merrimack's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $68,464 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrimack, New Hampshire, the prospects for physical therapist assistants are looking promising, particularly with a projected median annual salary of $73,462 for 2026. This amount exceeds the national median of $70,247, reflecting a competitive local job market. Salaries for physical therapist assistants in the area range significantly, from $50,632 at the low end (P10) to $91,151 at the high end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggest that the community values this role, highlighting an opportunity for those pursuing or advancing through the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway to enhance their lifetime earnings. Merrimack's job environment appears to support this growth, making it a favorable location to launch or further a career in physical therapy.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,632 | $24.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,086 | $30.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,462 | $35.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,441 | $39.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,151 | $43.82 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merrimack
In Merrimack, NH, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,519 (2026 est.). At $73,462, the local median is 4.58% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merrimack: You'd be above the median
How Merrimack Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Merrimack median: $73,462/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merrimack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $75,346 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +4.58% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Merrimack, NH earn a median of $73,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $75,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merrimack has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merrimack, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,462 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,464 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,481
2025 BLS Actual
$71,510
2026 Current Est.
$73,462
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,643 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,462 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,468 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merrimack metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $61,481 (2019) to $71,510 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,468 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,987 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrimack 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) | $50,632 – $63,086 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,086 – $73,462 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,462 – $82,441 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,441 – $91,151 |
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 Merrimack
Within Merrimack's landscape, only five physical therapist assistants are currently employed, indicating a niche but focused job market. The cost of living index here stands at 107.3, slightly above the national average, which can affect the net income of professionals in the field. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, along with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings, generally offer the highest compensation packages for PTAs in the area. The significant pay variance is influenced by various factors, including the type of setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services, which has tightened budgets in heavily Medicare-reliant environments. For those in Merrimack, maximizing pay could involve seeking positions in higher-paying sectors, gaining specialized skills, or considering weekend shifts where additional premiums might apply. Understanding these dynamics can help both current and aspiring PTAs navigate their career paths effectively in Merrimack, NH.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Merrimack, NH in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Merrimack?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Merrimack?
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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 $71,510 for physical therapist assistantsin the Merrimack 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
Salary data for Merrimack 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