Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Cambridge, MA: $38.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Cambridge, MA runs $38.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,652 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Cambridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,385 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $38.77, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects the local demand for PTAs in various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. For professionals working part-time—such as those putting in three days a week—their earnings can accumulate well even with fewer hours. The hourly pay range for PTAs in Cambridge starts at about $25.64, progressing to $50.94 for those at the top of the field, illustrating a distinct earnings potential from entry-level positions through experienced practitioners. These figures are projected in 2026 and serve as an important benchmark for anyone considering entry into the profession.
About the Cambridge 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) | $25.64 | $205.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.62 | $260.93 |
| Median (P50) | $38.77 | $310.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.74 | $357.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.94 | $407.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cambridge
Based on $38.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.77/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cambridge, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,642 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,524. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cambridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cambridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,550.81 | $6,720 | $80,642 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $930.49 | $4,032 | $48,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.32 | $2,688 | $32,257 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Cambridge) | $38.77 |
| 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 Cambridge, MA earn a median of $80,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,762.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.77/hr = $48,385/year (purchasing power: $44,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,642/year (purchasing power: $74,325).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cambridge grew 16.3% from $32.45/hr (2019) to $37.74/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.83/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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge
For physical therapist assistants working part-time in Cambridge, committing to a 24-hour workweek can lead to substantial annual take-home pay, especially when considering the benefits of flexible scheduling that part-time roles might offer. Per diem arrangements, which frequently pay between $32 and $48 hourly, often present a viable alternative for PTAs seeking higher immediate compensation. Additionally, travel contracts can generate weekly earnings from $1,200 to $1,800, although the ongoing effects of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements since 2022 have changed the earning potentials in skilled nursing facilities. Different employer types in Cambridge also influence hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics, for example, may offer different rates compared to hospitals or pediatric settings. When negotiating rates, PTAs should consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits such as health insurance, a crucial factor in making informed career decisions in this healthcare market.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Cambridge in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Cambridge?
Are physical therapist assistants in Cambridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Cambridge?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cambridge?
Related Pages
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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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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