Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Salem, MA: $57,110 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Salem, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,110 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,636 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,860) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of physical therapy in Salem, Massachusetts, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $57,110 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city’s median of $75,860, which may present challenges for new graduates as they begin their careers. However, the growth trajectory is promising; as professionals gain experience, they can expect to see salaries rise to approximately $68,724 within the first few years before potentially reaching or surpassing the median over time. Salem presents a favorable job market for new graduates, supported by increasing demand for healthcare services, enhancing the prospects for those who are just starting their journey as physical therapist assistants.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Salem, MA typically start between $57,110 and $68,724 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,691 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,860 — 7.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 61.29% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,110/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,110 to $68,724, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $42,691 ( 74.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,110, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,801.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,944
2025 BLS Actual
$55,592
2026 Current Est.
$57,110
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,398 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,458 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,026 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,110 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,669 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, MA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,944 in 2019 to $55,592 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,669. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
In Salem, various healthcare settings actively hire new graduates, particularly outpatient clinics, which often seek to add entry-level physical therapist assistants to their teams. Other facilities, such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies, tend to favor candidates with some clinical experience, so aspiring PTAs should focus on gaining practical exposure early on. To enhance their starting pay in MA, graduates should hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and acquire a state PTA license. Since PTAs must work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists in accordance with state law and Medicare guidelines, it’s beneficial for new grads to stay updated on industry regulations and seek continuing education opportunities. Career growth can be realistic given the 2.73% annual growth rate, but new PTAs should be aware of the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting PTA services in heavily reliant sectors, shaping their earning potential in the initial years.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Salem in 2026?
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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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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