Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $36.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lawrence, MA runs $36.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,782 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,065 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $36.91, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This elevated hourly rate benefits those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For individuals working three days a week, this translates into a significant income potential, allowing for flexible work-life balance while earning competitive wages. As reported, the hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Lawrence spans from $26.50 at the lower end of the employment spectrum to $48.21 for top earners, providing a pathway for career advancement and specialization within the field.
About the Lawrence 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) | $26.50 | $212.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.57 | $260.52 |
| Median (P50) | $36.91 | $295.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.37 | $346.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.21 | $385.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $36.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.91/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,293. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,476.44 | $6,398 | $76,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.86 | $3,839 | $46,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.57 | $2,559 | $30,710 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lawrence) | $36.91 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $76,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.30% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,751.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.91/hr = $46,065/year (purchasing power: $42,456).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,775/year (purchasing power: $70,760).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lawrence grew 16.3% from $30.89/hr (2019) to $35.93/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.92/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For those considering part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week as a physical therapist assistant could yield an annual income of approximately $46,000, a figure that many may find appealing compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem work is often attractive due to the flexibility it provides, with common rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. Agencies that offer travel contracts can deliver weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800, although it's crucial to factor in potential pay cuts due to legislative changes impacting Medicare reimbursements. In Lawrence, hourly rates may vary depending on the work environment; outpatient clinics and pediatric therapy settings might offer different comp packages compared to skilled nursing facilities. Many PTAs might opt for positions that provide health benefits despite lower hourly rates, weighing future earning potential against comprehensive benefits. When negotiating pay, physical therapist assistants should emphasize their specialized skills and experience to better align their compensation with industry demands.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lawrence?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lawrence?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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