Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Newton, MA: $39.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Newton, MA runs $39.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Newton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,180 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Newton, MA, is projected to be $39.41, which reflects a notable 16.68% increase compared to the national hourly median of $33.77. This generous hourly rate can provide substantial earnings for part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, who can anticipate a steady income stream while balancing other responsibilities. Per-diem opportunities, which are common in the profession, offer flexibility and the chance to work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The hourly rates for this role vary significantly in Newton, with entry-level pay starting around $28.73 and top earners potentially making up to $52.00 per hour, underscoring the potential for career advancement in this field based on skills, experience, and the working environment.
About the Newton 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) | $28.73 | $229.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.22 | $273.75 |
| Median (P50) | $39.41 | $315.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.77 | $366.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.00 | $416.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newton
Based on $39.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.41/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newton, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,967 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,289. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,576.29 | $6,831 | $81,967 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $945.77 | $4,098 | $49,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.52 | $2,732 | $32,787 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Newton) | $39.41 |
| 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 Newton, MA earn a median of $81,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.68% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 4.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,733.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.41/hr = $49,180/year (purchasing power: $45,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,967/year (purchasing power: $75,546).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Newton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Newton grew 16.3% from $32.98/hr (2019) to $38.36/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.48/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 Newton 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 Newton
Part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $49,066 annually, providing them a reliable income while allowing for personal and professional balance. Conversely, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Newton can fluctuate between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, though skilled nursing facility rates have seen a decline due to a 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursements. Employment settings significantly influence hourly pay rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies typically offering higher compensation than schools or some rehabilitation facilities. While some may opt for roles with lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, others prioritize higher wages without benefits. For those entering or transitioning within this career, understanding these dynamics and negotiating effectively could prove beneficial; for instance, highlighting flexibility and specific skill sets can provide leverage when discussing hourly compensation.
More salary data for Newton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Newton in 2026?
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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 Newton. 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 Newton 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