PT Assistant Salary

Brookline vs Springfield: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Brookline, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brookline, MA
$76,364
$36.72/hr
Springfield, MA
$75,948
$36.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrookline, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$76,364$75,948
Hourly Rate$36.72$36.51
Entry Level (P10)$54,181$60,323
25th Percentile$66,874$65,151
75th Percentile$89,242$77,921
Top Earner (P90)$98,904$80,561
Total Employed13180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brookline ($76,364) and Springfield ($75,948) physical therapist assistant salaries.BrooklineSpringfieldMedian Salary$76,364$75,948Entry Level (P10)$54,181$60,323Top Earner (P90)$98,904$80,561US Median $70,247

Verdict

Brookline, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.

The salary gap between Brookline and Springfield is $416 (0.55%). Brookline's median is +8.71% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookline spans $44,723,Springfield spans $20,238. Brookline has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brookline
P10 (Entry)$54,181
P25$66,874
Median$76,364
P75$89,242
P90 (Top)$98,904
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$60,323
P25$65,151
Median$75,948
P75$77,921
P90 (Top)$80,561

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($79,062 effective) pays 12.33% more than Brookline ($70,382 effective).

Brookline
Nominal: $76,364
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $70,382
Springfield
Nominal: $75,948
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $79,062

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brookline if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,364/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($98,904)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,062)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Brookline grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Brookline, MA

+-1.9%

$75,770 (2024) → $74,335 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+21.3%

$60,970 (2019) → $73,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Brookline or Springfield?

Brookline has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $76,364/year, compared to Springfield at $75,948/year — a difference of $416 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brookline and Springfield?

Brookline physical therapist assistants earn $36.72/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $36.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brookline to Springfield as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brookline and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brookline = $70,382, Springfield = $79,062), job availability (13 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Brookline vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $54,181 in Brookline and $60,323 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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