Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Boston, MA: $77,085 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $37.06/hour | $50,958 - $113,231 range
Median Annual Salary
$77,085
Hourly Rate
$37.06
/hour
Jobs in Area
153
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Boston, MA
$77,085
San Jose, CA
$89,794
in San Jose, CA
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Range in Boston, MA
Annual Salary Range
$51k
10th percentile
$62k
25th
$94k
75th
$113k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $50,958 | $24.50 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,978 | $29.80 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $77,085 | $37.06 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,804 | $45.10 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $113,231 | $54.44 |
| Average (Mean) | $83,152 | $39.98 |
Physical Therapist Assistant Market Insights for Boston, MA
Compensation Overview
This metro area pays Physical Therapist Assistants well above the national average, making it an attractive destination for professionals in this field. The local economy supports above-market compensation for this role.
Local Market Context
Boston, MA is a high cost-of-living metro area, which typically correlates with higher nominal salaries. While wages may appear higher, purchasing power should be carefully evaluated against housing, transportation, and everyday expenses in the Massachusetts market.
Cost of Living Impact
Cost of living adjustments reduce effective purchasing power by approximately 33% compared to national averages. When evaluating opportunities in Boston, MA, factor in higher expenses for housing and daily necessities.
Career Outlook
The Physical Therapist Assistant profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 122% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 47% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+20%
vs National Avg
+21%
vs State Avg
122%
Salary Range
153
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary growth in Boston, MA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$50,958
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$61,978
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$77,085
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$93,804
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$113,231
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Physical Therapist Assistant:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Boston, MA
Where Physical Therapist Assistants Work
Physical Therapist Assistants work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Boston, MA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Boston, MA
- •Research major employers in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Massachusetts
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Boston, MA market rate of $77,085
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $50,958 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median physical therapist assistant salary in Boston, MA is $77,085 per year ($37.06/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $50,958 for entry-level positions to $113,231 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Boston, MA typically start at around $50,958 per year ($24.50/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $77,085 within 3-5 years.
Physical Therapist Assistants in Boston, MA earn a median hourly wage of $37.06 per hour. Hourly rates range from $24.50/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $54.44/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $50,958 and $113,231.
The median physical therapist assistant salary of $77,085 in Boston, MA is well above the national median of $64,480 (19.5% higher). However, the cost of living is 48% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of physical therapist assistants in the area earn more and half earn less.
Physical Therapist Assistants in Boston, MA earn well above the national average. The local median salary of $77,085 is 19.5% higher than the national median of $64,480. However, the cost of living is 48% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $51,944.
The top 10% of physical therapist assistants in Boston, MA earn $113,231 or more per year ($54.44/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $93,804, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost physical therapist assistant salary in Boston, MA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $77,085, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($93,804) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Boston, MA has a specialized job market for physical therapist assistants, with approximately 153 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $77,085 is well above the national average. However, the cost of living is 48% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your physical therapist assistant salary to these Boston, MA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $50,958, 25th percentile: $61,978, 50th percentile (median): $77,085, 75th percentile: $93,804, 90th percentile (top earners): $113,231. If you earn more than $77,085, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $77,085 median base salary, physical therapist assistants in Boston, MA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced physical therapist assistants with 5-10 years in Boston, MA typically earn $93,804 (75th percentile) to $113,231 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $113,231. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $77,085.
Physical Therapist Assistants in Boston, MA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($50,958) to median ($77,085) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($113,231) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $62,273 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
31-2021
SOC Classification
Sample Size
153
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Physical Therapist Assistant in Boston, MA
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Median: $77,085/yr
How Boston, MA Compares
vs National Average
$64,480
vs Massachusetts Average
$63,543
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$51,944
Cost of living in Boston, MA is 48.4% above the national average.
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