Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Springfield, MA: $36.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Springfield, MA runs $36.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,948 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.1, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,565 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Massachusetts, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $36.51, which surpasses the national median of $33.77 by a notable margin. This competitive rate is indicative of the skilled nature of the role and can be quite advantageous for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, or per-diem staff, who serve in various settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy environments. The hourly range reflects a diversity of experience and specialization, with entry-level positions earning approximately $29.00 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $38.73 per hour. This information is crucial for both aspiring PTAs and those already in the field, as it highlights the earning potential within this important healthcare profession based on data from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.00 | $232.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.32 | $250.58 |
| Median (P50) | $36.51 | $292.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.47 | $299.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.73 | $309.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $36.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.51/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, MA can expect to earn approximately $75,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,812. With a cost-of-living index of 96.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.41 | $6,328 | $75,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.25 | $3,797 | $45,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.16 | $2,531 | $30,377 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Springfield) | $36.51 |
| 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 Springfield, MA earn a median of $75,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,703.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.51/hr = $45,565/year (purchasing power: $47,433).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,941/year (purchasing power: $79,055).
CoL index: 96.061 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Springfield grew 21.3% from $29.31/hr (2019) to $35.54/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.51/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
When considering the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants in Springfield, part-time PTA earnings for a 24-hour workweek underscore a significant difference compared to full-time employment. A part-time assistant could bring home about $45,996 annually, while those opting for per diem contracts might earn between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel PTA contracts commanding between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types, varying from outpatient orthopedic clinics to skilled nursing facilities and hospital rehab settings. The impact of the 15% Medicare cut is evident in the compensation offered by SNF agencies, leading to lower pay in heavily Medicare-reliant roles. Some PTAs choose positions with benefits, even if the hourly pay is lower, weighing this against opportunities for higher pay without insurance cover. For those seeking negotiation tips, focusing on specialized skills and the current demand in Springfield can help maximize hourly wage outcomes while making informed choices within the workforce.
More salary data for Springfield, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Springfield in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Springfield?
Are physical therapist assistants in Springfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Springfield?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Springfield?
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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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