Boston vs Malden: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Boston, MA and Malden, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Malden, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,626▲ | $78,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.73▲ | $37.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,422▲ | $53,966 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,209▲ | $67,613 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,156 | $90,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,584 | $102,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Malden.
The salary gap between Boston and Malden is $3,643 (4.61%). Boston's median is +17.62% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $27,162,Malden spans $48,621. Malden has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($76,318 effective) pays 4.84% more than Malden ($72,795 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,318)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Malden if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,587)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Boston grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.9% growth in Malden over the same period.
Boston, MA
$67,340 (2019) → $80,430 (2025)
Malden, MA
$78,369 (2024) → $76,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Malden, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Boston or Malden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Malden?
Should I relocate from Boston to Malden as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Boston vs Malden?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov