Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $37.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Amherst, MA runs $37.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,808 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapist assistants in Amherst, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $37.51, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This disparity suggests that PTAs working in various settings—such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments—may find their expertise compensated more favorably in Amherst. With hourly rates ranging from $25.81 (beginning level) to $46.53 (top earners), part-time workers, who typically may work three days a week, could expect solid earnings that could influence their decision on per-diem or flexible work opportunities. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data, illustrate a rewarding landscape for individuals considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in MA.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.81 | $206.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.42 | $275.40 |
| Median (P50) | $37.51 | $300.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.00 | $335.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.53 | $372.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $37.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.51/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,008. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,500.27 | $6,501 | $78,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.16 | $3,901 | $46,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.11 | $2,600 | $31,206 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Amherst) | $37.51 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Amherst, MA earn a median of $78,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.06% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,726.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.51/hr = $46,808/year (purchasing power: $43,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,014/year (purchasing power: $71,902).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Amherst grew 16.3% from $31.39/hr (2019) to $36.51/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Amherst
The earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants can differ significantly from full-time positions. For example, working a typical 3-day week can lead to an annual take-home pay much lower than full-time PTAs, but still lucrative enough to warrant the flexibility. Per diem physical therapist assistants in Amherst often experience variability in their pay, typically billing between $32 and $48 per hour, while traveling PTA contracts can earn even higher weekly rates of $1,200 to $1,800. These wage ranges depend greatly on the type of employment setting, as outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to provide competitive hourly pay compared to skilled nursing facilities which have seen recent cuts due to Medicare policy changes. Many PTAs may accept lower rates to secure health benefits, creating a trade-off between immediate financial gain and long-term security. As they negotiate their hourly rates, PTAs in Amherst should consider their unique circumstances and leverage local job market conditions to ensure they find the best fit for their career and lifestyle.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Amherst?
Are physical therapist assistants in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Amherst?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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