Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $37.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lowell, MA runs $37.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,373 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $37.96, which significantly exceeds the national median of $33.77. This competitive hourly pay serves not only full-time professionals but also part-time employees and per diem workers, who typically operate in diverse environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For someone working part-time, roughly three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income, while entry-level PTAs can expect to start at around $27.18 per hour, moving up to a high of $51.06 for top earners in the field. These figures are estimated from annual salary data and highlight the financial potential available to those in this role throughout Lowell.
About the Lowell 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) | $27.18 | $217.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.50 | $268.00 |
| Median (P50) | $37.96 | $303.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.63 | $357.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.06 | $408.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $37.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.96/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,550. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,518.35 | $6,580 | $78,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.01 | $3,948 | $47,373 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.34 | $2,632 | $31,582 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lowell) | $37.96 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $78,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,714.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.96/hr = $47,373/year (purchasing power: $43,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,954/year (purchasing power: $72,769).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lowell grew 16.3% from $31.77/hr (2019) to $36.95/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.00/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Focusing on part-time physical therapist assistant hourly pay, a PTA working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $47,000 annually, making it an appealing choice for those seeking flexible schedules while balancing other commitments. For per diem physical therapist assistants, pay rates typically range between $32 and $48 per hour, allowing for more control over work schedules and potential income. However, contracted travel PTAs can earn significantly more, with weekly compensation ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, though these positions often require travel flexibility and can be less stable. Hourly rates can differ across employer types; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different pay structures compared to hospital inpatient rehab or skilled nursing facilities, especially following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut implemented in 2022. While many PTAs in Lowell may opt for jobs with lower hourly rates that provide benefits, those without insurance may prioritize higher hourly wages, resulting in important trade-offs. When negotiating pay, PTAs should understand the specific demands of their roles and consider how benefits impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lowell in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lowell?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lowell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lowell?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lowell?
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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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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