Lexington vs Worcester: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lexington, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,365 | $78,999▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.23 | $37.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,692 | $62,090▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,666▲ | $66,672 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,752▲ | $80,170 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,723▲ | $90,125 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Worcester is $3,634 (4.82%). Worcester's median is +12.46% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $40,031,Worcester spans $28,035. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($77,055 effective) pays 10.93% more than Lexington ($69,461 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,723)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,999/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,055)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Lexington grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Lexington, MA
$74,779 (2024) → $73,362 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$57,510 (2019) → $76,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lexington or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Worcester as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lexington vs Worcester?
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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