Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in New Bedford, MA: $57,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,383 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,888 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,319) 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 New Bedford can expect starting salaries around $57,383. This initial pay is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $79,319 in the city, highlighting a clear gap that new PTAs will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, salaries are projected to grow from the entry-level range up through the 25th percentile, which sits at approximately $70,451. Given the competitive landscape of healthcare and an annual growth rate of 2.73%, New Bedford presents a promising market for new physical therapist assistants, particularly considering the greater than average demand for services in the region.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in New Bedford, MA typically start between $57,383 and $70,451 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,137 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,319 — 12.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 60.99% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,383/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,383 to $70,451, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $45,137 ( 78.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,383, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,520.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,620
2025 BLS Actual
$55,858
2026 Current Est.
$57,383
2019–2027 Growth
+7.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,949 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 2.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,620 in 2019 to $55,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,949. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Several employers in New Bedford actively recruit recent PTA graduates, particularly outpatient rehabilitation facilities, which often offer a more streamlined entry into the profession. Skilled nursing facilities continue to hire despite recent reimbursement challenges, while home health agencies typically prefer candidates with some prior experience. To bolster starting pay, aspiring PTAs should ensure they hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain the necessary state licensure. It's essential for new professionals to be aware of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for services provided by PTs and establish connections for professional growth. By focusing on building a strong clinical foundation and considering advanced proficiency credentials through APTA, new graduates can realistically anticipate salary increases during the first few years, ultimately aligning their earnings more closely with the city’s median pay as they gain essential experience in the field.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in New Bedford in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in New Bedford?
Is physical therapy school worth it in New Bedford?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in New Bedford?
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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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