Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $37.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Medford, MA runs $37.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,680 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Medford, Massachusetts, command a median hourly rate of $37.40, surpassing the national median of $33.77. This competitive wage reflects the local demand for PTAs, particularly in environments such as outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital rehabilitation units. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,126 weekly based on a 24-hour schedule. Those entering the field will begin at around $27.60 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn premiums of up to $49.72, illustrating a broad spectrum of opportunities for growth. These hourly estimates derive from annual salary data; thus, they provide insight into the financial landscape for both new graduates and experienced practitioners alike.
About the Medford 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) | $27.60 | $220.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.58 | $268.66 |
| Median (P50) | $37.40 | $299.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.32 | $338.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.72 | $397.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $37.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.40/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,885. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,496.16 | $6,483 | $77,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $897.70 | $3,890 | $46,680 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.46 | $2,593 | $31,120 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Medford) | $37.40 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $77,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.75% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,743.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.40/hr = $46,680/year (purchasing power: $43,023).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,800/year (purchasing power: $71,705).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Medford grew 16.3% from $31.30/hr (2019) to $36.41/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.43/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 Medford 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 Medford
The earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant working in Medford varies considerably, especially once you factor in per-diem roles that typically offer pay ranges from $32 to $48 per hour. Those taking per diem or agency positions may find themselves earning between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly in travel contracts, especially when providing services to skilled nursing facilities, which now face tighter budgets due to the 2022 Medicare cuts. Different employer types offer varying hourly compensation; outpatient clinics might provide competitive wages, while hospital inpatient roles can sometimes offer health benefits that make lower hourly rates more attractive. When evaluating job offers, PTAs should consider negotiating pay based on their specific skills and the benefits offered, as taking a position with higher hourly wages but no benefits could impact overall financial stability. Knowing the prevailing trends in physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Medford will empower you to make decisions that align with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Medford?
Are physical therapist assistants in Medford paid hourly or salary?
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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 Medford. 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 Medford 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