Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Barnstable Town, MA: $67,771 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Barnstable Town, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,771 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barnstable Town's local price level (BEA RPP 98.4 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,907 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,968) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Barnstable Town, MA, the starting salary is projected to be around $67,771 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual income of $81,968, indicating a notable gap for entry-level professionals. However, entry-level PTAs can anticipate growth potential within the first few years in the field, with salaries expected to rise from the lower P10 range to approximately $80,047 at the P25 mark as they gain experience. Given the current salary estimations and the anticipated 2.73% industry growth rate, Barnstable Town presents a viable market for fresh graduates looking to embark on their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barnstable Town
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barnstable Town
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Barnstable Town, MA typically start between $67,771 and $80,047 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,953 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,968 — 16.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 51.64% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($67,771/year) in Barnstable Town. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Barnstable Town
- 1Research the Barnstable Town market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $67,771 to $80,047, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barnstable Town, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Barnstable Town for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barnstable Town's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Barnstable Town is $30,953 ( 45.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,771, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,724.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,660
2025 BLS Actual
$65,970
2026 Current Est.
$67,771
2019–2027 Growth
+27.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Barnstable Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,771 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,621 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Barnstable Town, MA grew 20.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,660 in 2019 to $65,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,621. New graduates entering the Barnstable Town job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable Town metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Barnstable Town
Many employers in Barnstable Town actively seek new graduates in this field, with outpatient clinics leading the hiring efforts for entry-level physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehab firms still recruit despite previous reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies may prefer candidates who have one to two years of clinical experience. To strengthen their earning potential in Massachusetts, new graduates should pursue an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, obtain their NPTAE national exam certification, and secure a state PTA license. Additionally, those interested in advancing their careers might consider optional proficiency credentials through APTA. Given recent changes in reimbursement policies, particularly the 15% cut to Medicare Part B for PTA-provided services, salary growth expectations over the first three years should be realistic and align with market demands—emphasizing the importance of strong mentorship and supervision under licensed physical therapists as they navigate the evolving landscape of their profession.
More salary data for Barnstable Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Barnstable Town in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Barnstable Town?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Barnstable Town?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Barnstable Town?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Barnstable Town. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov