Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Beverly, MA: $53,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Beverly, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,083 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beverly's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,924 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,782) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Beverly, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary around $53,083, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $76,782. For recent graduates, this gap can represent a challenging initial financial outlook, but it's important to recognize the potential for growth. Over the first three to five years, as PTAs gain experience and expertise, salaries can increase to around $68,969 at the 25th percentile, progressing towards the city’s median. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Beverly currently represents a solid market for new PTA graduates seeking opportunities, particularly given the demand for services in a growing healthcare sector.
About the Beverly Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beverly
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 Beverly
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Beverly, MA typically start between $53,083 and $68,969 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,205 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,782 — 9.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 65.93% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,083/year) in Beverly. 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 Beverly
- 1Research the Beverly market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,083 to $68,969, 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 Beverly, 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 Beverly for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beverly'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 Beverly is $47,205 ( 88.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,083, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,288.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,197
2025 BLS Actual
$51,672
2026 Current Est.
$53,083
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Beverly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,532 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Beverly, MA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,197 in 2019 to $51,672 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,532. New graduates entering the Beverly job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly 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 Beverly
Employers in Beverly that generally hire new grads in the PTA profession tend to be outpatient clinics, which actively seek to fill these positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit new staff, though recent cuts to Medicare reimbursements have affected pay rates in these environments. Home health agencies often prefer candidates with a year or two of experience. To enhance their prospects, new physical therapist assistants should ensure they possess an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, obtain a state PTA license, and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can provide a competitive edge. The landscape has shifted since the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut in 2022, compressing PTA salaries in high-Medicare settings, emphasizing the importance of strategic career planning. As entry-level professionals navigate their first few years, they should be prepared for realistic salary growth, advancing towards a more competitive pay scale as they gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Beverly in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Beverly?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Beverly?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Beverly?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Massachusetts?
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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
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 Beverly. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beverly is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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