PT Assistant Salary

Derry vs Nashua: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Derry, NH and Nashua, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Derry, NH
$72,345
$34.78/hr
Nashua, NH
$73,910
$35.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDerry, NHNashua, NH
Median Salary$72,345$73,910
Hourly Rate$34.78$35.53
Entry Level (P10)$54,081$49,762
25th Percentile$65,186$62,718
75th Percentile$84,101$84,479
Top Earner (P90)$94,817$94,887
Total Employed721
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Derry ($72,345) and Nashua ($73,910) physical therapist assistant salaries.DerryNashuaMedian Salary$72,345$73,910Entry Level (P10)$54,081$49,762Top Earner (P90)$94,817$94,887US Median $70,247

Verdict

Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Derry.

The salary gap between Derry and Nashua is $1,565 (2.16%). Nashua's median is +5.21% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Derry spans $40,736,Nashua spans $45,125. Nashua has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Derry
P10 (Entry)$54,081
P25$65,186
Median$72,345
P75$84,101
P90 (Top)$94,817
Nashua
P10 (Entry)$49,762
P25$62,718
Median$73,910
P75$84,479
P90 (Top)$94,887

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($68,882 effective) pays 2.16% more than Derry ($67,423 effective).

Derry
Nominal: $72,345
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $67,423
Nashua
Nominal: $73,910
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $68,882

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Derry if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Nashua if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,910/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($94,887)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,882)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Derry grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.1% growth in Nashua over the same period.

Derry, NH

+0.6%

$70,031 (2024) → $70,422 (2025)

Nashua, NH

+-1.1%

$72,746 (2024) → $71,946 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Derry or Nashua?

Nashua has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $73,910/year, compared to Derry at $72,345/year — a difference of $1,565 (2.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Derry and Nashua?

Derry physical therapist assistants earn $34.78/hr while Nashua hygienists earn $35.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Derry to Nashua as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Derry and Nashua. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Derry = $67,423, Nashua = $68,882), job availability (7 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Derry vs Nashua?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $54,081 in Derry and $49,762 in Nashua. The Derry area offers higher starting salaries.
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