Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lawrence, MA: $55,136 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,136 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,817 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
Lawrence presents new graduates with a promising outlook for their entry-level physical therapist assistant careers. The starting physical therapist assistant salary in Lawrence for 2026 is projected to be around $55,136, a figure significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $76,782, which indicates a gap that may be typical for entry-level roles. However, new PTAs can expect steady growth as they advance in their careers; their earnings may rise to approximately $67,734 within the first few years, aligning with the higher-paying opportunities available in outpatient settings. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73%, individuals entering the field will find Lawrence to be a favorable market with a solid demand for healthcare services.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lawrence, MA typically start between $55,136 and $67,734 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,134 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 63.48% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($55,136/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $55,136 to $67,734, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $45,134 ( 81.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,136, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,270.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,598
2025 BLS Actual
$53,671
2026 Current Est.
$55,136
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,671 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,136 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,641 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,598 in 2019 to $53,671 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,641. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Hiring trends in Lawrence reveal that outpatient facilities tend to employ most newly graduated PTAs, providing a stable starting point for those looking to establish themselves in the profession. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still accept new grads, though they have faced challenges due to Medicare reimbursement changes affecting PTA services. For new graduates, acquiring an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTAE national exam are crucial steps, alongside obtaining state licensure and maintaining BLS certification. While having a few years of clinic experience can enhance employability, especially with home health agencies, those who pursue advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can typically expect higher starting pay in MA. Realistically, graduates in their first year can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities under the supervision of physical therapists, creating a pathway toward a rewarding and sustainable career in physical therapy.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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