Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $39.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Boston, MA runs $39.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,578 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $39.73, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate offers attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find engaging employment in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even during home health visits. The hourly wage for these professionals can range from $30.97 at the entry-level to $44.03 for experienced therapists. For many, the ability to work flexible hours can be ideal, allowing them to balance multiple jobs or commitments while still earning a respectable income. This data is derived from BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.97 | $247.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.71 | $277.70 |
| Median (P50) | $39.73 | $317.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.46 | $323.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.03 | $352.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $39.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.73/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,671. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.03 | $6,886 | $82,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.42 | $4,131 | $49,578 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.61 | $2,754 | $33,052 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Boston) | $39.73 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $82,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.62% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.90% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,766.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.73/hr = $49,578/year (purchasing power: $45,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,629/year (purchasing power: $76,321).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Boston grew 19.5% from $32.37/hr (2019) to $38.67/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.81/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 Boston 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 Boston
For part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, translating their hourly earnings into annual pay reveals a potential income around $49,319, which may suit various lifestyle preferences, though it remains below full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Boston typically varies from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel contracts often fetching between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, these figures are influenced by employer types—outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different rates compared to skilled nursing facilities or hospital rehab settings. Additionally, some professionals might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, leading to a common trade-off in employment negotiations. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, negotiating effectively about pay rates, especially in a city like Boston, can be critical in ensuring financial stability while pursuing a fulfilling career in physical therapy.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Boston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Boston?
Are physical therapist assistants in Boston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Boston?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Boston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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