Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $52,867 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Dartmouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,867 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dartmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,725 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,691) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dartmouth, the starting physical therapist assistant salary for new grads is projected at $52,867 in 2026, which is a significant entry-level figure given the overall median salary in the region of $76,691. This gap of nearly $24,000 highlights the potential for new professionals to grow their earnings as they gain experience. Early-career physical therapist assistants can expect to progress through salary brackets, moving from the P25 level of $65,807 within their first few years, eventually approaching median pay as they establish their careers. Overall, Dartmouth presents a favorable job market for new graduates, particularly given the city's healthcare demands and steady growth trajectory of 2.73% for this industry.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Dartmouth, MA typically start between $52,867 and $65,807 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,933 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,691 — 9.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 66.20% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,867/year) in Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
- 1Research the Dartmouth market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,867 to $65,807, 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 Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dartmouth'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 Dartmouth is $46,933 ( 88.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,867, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,800.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,050
2025 BLS Actual
$51,462
2026 Current Est.
$52,867
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,867 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,310 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dartmouth, MA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,050 in 2019 to $51,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,310. New graduates entering the Dartmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Several employers in Dartmouth are actively recruiting new physical therapist assistant graduates, with outpatient rehabilitation clinics leading the way in hiring. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also remain significant employers despite the impact of recent reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies may favor applicants with a bit of experience. For new entrants into the field, obtaining a CAPTE-accredited PTA program degree, passing the NPTAE, and securing a state PTA license are vital steps to increase starting pay in Massachusetts. Additionally, as PTAs operate under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further enhance career prospects. New professionals should expect gradual salary increases as they navigate the first few years of employment, fully aware of the pressures caused by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on PTA services, particularly in settings reliant on federal funding.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Dartmouth in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Dartmouth?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Dartmouth?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Dartmouth?
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 Dartmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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