Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Needham, MA: $54,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Needham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,358 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Needham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,100 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,357) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Needham, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting salary around $54,358. This represents a significant gap when compared to the median annual paycheck of $77,357 for all PTAs in the city. For recent graduates eager to build their career, there is a favorable trajectory as they gain experience; salaries are projected to rise to approximately $67,200 within the first few years. Given the supportive healthcare environment in Needham and the anticipated annual growth rate of 2.73% for this profession, the area appears to be a promising market for entry-level PTA candidates.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Needham
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 Needham
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Needham, MA typically start between $54,358 and $67,200 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,802 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,357 — 10.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 64.39% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($54,358/year) in Needham. 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 Needham
- 1Research the Needham market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $54,358 to $67,200, 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 Needham, 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 Needham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Needham'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 Needham is $42,802 ( 78.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,358, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,160.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,067
2025 BLS Actual
$52,913
2026 Current Est.
$54,358
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,067 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,026 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,841 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Needham, MA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,067 in 2019 to $52,913 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,841. New graduates entering the Needham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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 Needham
Secondary to compensation, understanding the local job landscape is essential for new grads in this profession. Outpatient clinics tend to be the primary employers of recent PTA graduates in Needham, nurturing a pathway to full-time employment. Skilled nursing facilities also hire PTAs despite financial challenges, but they might prefer candidates with more experience. Essential credentials like a CAPTE-accredited associate’s degree, completion of the NPTAE national exam, and state licensure are critical to securing entry-level roles. Furthermore, the ongoing impact of a 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on PTA services calls for strategic planning in the early career stages. New hires can expect incremental salary growth within their first three years, especially if they pursue advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, which could enhance their professional value in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Needham in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Needham?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Needham?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Needham?
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 Needham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Needham 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