Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Brookline, MA: $54,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Brookline, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,181 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookline's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,936 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Brookline, Massachusetts, can expect to see starting salaries around $54,181 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary range, it may initially seem modest against the area's median annual salary of $76,364. Over the first few years, however, entry-level physical therapist assistants can anticipate experiencing salary growth, with many eventually reaching approximately $66,874 within their initial three to five years in the profession. In the context of the local job market, Brookline presents opportunities for new grads due to a combination of demand for physical therapy services and the competitive pay structure in the area, making it a viable location for those beginning their careers.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookline
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 Brookline
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Brookline, MA typically start between $54,181 and $66,874 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,723 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,364 — 8.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 64.60% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($54,181/year) in Brookline. 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 Brookline
- 1Research the Brookline market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $54,181 to $66,874, 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 Brookline, 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 Brookline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookline'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 Brookline is $44,723 ( 82.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,181, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,904.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,946
2025 BLS Actual
$52,741
2026 Current Est.
$54,181
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,946 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,377 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,511 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,660 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brookline, MA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,946 in 2019 to $52,741 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,660. New graduates entering the Brookline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookline 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 Brookline
In Brookline, various employers hiring new physical therapist assistants include outpatient chains, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and some home health agencies, though the latter typically prefer candidates with experience. Fresh graduates should ensure they acquire the necessary credentials, including an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE exam, obtaining a state PTA license, and possibly pursuing additional credentials from APTA. Given the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts impacting the industry, particularly for PTAs working in SNFs, new professionals may face some pressure on their starting physical therapist assistant pay in MA. However, those progressing from their foundational roles can build a strategic career path over their first few years, working under PT supervision and gaining experience, especially as they consider PTA-to-DPT bridge programs to enhance their qualifications and future earning potential.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Brookline in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Brookline?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brookline?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Brookline?
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 Brookline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookline 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