Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Haverhill, MA: $53,614 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,614 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,414 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,971) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy assistant field in Haverhill, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $53,614 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for new PTAs, which contrasts with the city's median annual salary of $78,971, showcasing a substantial gap. While the immediate financial outlook may seem modest, there is a positive growth trajectory for entry-level professionals. With experience and skill development, new graduates can advance to a salary of around $67,587 within their first few years, potentially reaching the city median in three to five years. As the demand for physical therapist assistants remains steady in Haverhill, the job market appears welcoming for new entrants seeking to establish their careers.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Haverhill, MA typically start between $53,614 and $67,587 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,051 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,971 — 12.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 65.28% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,614/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,614 to $67,587, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $46,051 ( 85.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,614, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,665.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,560
2025 BLS Actual
$52,189
2026 Current Est.
$53,614
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,369 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,525 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,189 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,614 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,077 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,560 in 2019 to $52,189 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,077. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Employers in Haverhill primarily hiring recent graduates include outpatient rehabilitation centers, which tend to favor new physical therapist assistants due to their structured training programs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to recruit fresh graduates despite recent reimbursement cuts in Medicare, although they may prefer candidates with some clinic experience. For those seeking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential steps. Ongoing education and optional advanced proficiency credentials offered by the APTA can further improve salary prospects. New grad physical therapist assistants in MA can expect modest salary growth in their early years, but staying informed about practice regulations and the impact of Medicare reimbursement changes will be crucial to navigating the evolving landscape of the profession.
More salary data for Haverhill, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Haverhill in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Haverhill?
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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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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