Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Fall River, MA: $57,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,234 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,750 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,723) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fall River, Massachusetts, new graduates looking to embark on a career as a physical therapist assistant can expect a starting salary around $57,234 in 2026. While this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city median salary of $77,723, it does represent a solid foundation on which fresh entrants can build their careers. Over time, salaries typically trend upward, with expectations for entry-level professionals to reach around $69,691 as they progress to more experienced roles within three to five years. This growth trajectory combined with a relatively favorable employment market suggests that Fall River is a reasonable area for recent graduates to find opportunities as they begin their professional journey.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Fall River, MA typically start between $57,234 and $69,691 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,943 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,723 — 10.64% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 61.15% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,234/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,234 to $69,691, 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 Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $45,943 ( 80.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,234, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,177.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,028
2025 BLS Actual
$55,713
2026 Current Est.
$57,234
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,497 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,796 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,028 in 2019 to $55,713 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,796. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
The landscape in Fall River for hiring new physical therapist assistants mainly includes outpatient practices, where many entry-level positions are available, alongside skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which still seek new hires despite recent reimbursement challenges. Home health agencies often require some level of experience, making those initial roles in clinics all the more critical. Having an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential credentials that can significantly influence starting pay. The APTA also offers optional advanced proficiency credentials that could further enhance earnings. In light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services effective in 2022, candidates should approach their first few years with realistic salary growth expectations that are tempered by the financial environment of the healthcare sector. By staying informed and networking within the field, new graduates can effectively position themselves to maximize their potential within the evolving landscape of physical therapy in Fall River, MA.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Fall River in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Fall River?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Fall River?
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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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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