Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $37.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Chelsea, MA runs $37.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Chelsea'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
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) earn a median hourly rate of $37.51, which is significantly above the national median of $33.77. This rate is particularly advantageous for those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, or per-diem positions. PTAs often find themselves working in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or during home health visits, where this hourly pay translates directly to strong earnings for flexible schedules. Entry-level positions may start around $26.88 an hour, while experienced PTAs can reach up to $46.42 per hour, reflecting the variation in experience and work settings. Data projections for 2026 suggest a healthy outlook for pay within this field in Chelsea, driven by the ongoing demand for rehabilitation services.
About the Chelsea 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) | $26.88 | $215.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.98 | $263.81 |
| Median (P50) | $37.51 | $300.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.03 | $336.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.42 | $371.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
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 Chelsea, 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 Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| 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 (Chelsea) | $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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $78,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.05% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,720.
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 Chelsea (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 | $37.21/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
When examining the financial potential for PTAs in Chelsea, part-time employees working just 24 hours a week can expect to bring home a notable income. This translates to approximately $46,823 annually, which is a respectable figure considering they may also enjoy flexibility in their schedule. Per diem positions can offer different pay structures, ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing professionals to choose how much they work and potentially maximize their earnings. However, the Medicare cuts implemented in 2022 have affected wages in skilled nursing facilities, where the implications of lower reimbursements may reduce agency PTA pay. Each employer type offers distinct financial benefits: outpatient orthopedic clinics typically pay better than other settings, while positions in schools may provide steady benefits despite lower hourly rates. For PTAs negotiating pay, being informed about local averages is vital, and understanding the trade-off between hourly wage and benefits can help in securing a fair deal.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Chelsea?
Are physical therapist assistants in Chelsea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Chelsea?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chelsea?
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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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