Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $37.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Worcester, MA runs $37.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,398 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is estimated to be $37.98, significantly exceeding the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This competitive rate benefits both full-time and part-time practitioners, particularly those working in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a robust income, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly pay range in the area extends from $29.85 at the lower end to $43.33 for the top earners, the latter indicating favorable earnings potential for experienced professionals or those in high-demand specialties. These figures stem from official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.85 | $238.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.05 | $256.41 |
| Median (P50) | $37.98 | $303.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.54 | $308.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.33 | $346.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $37.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.98/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,997 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,575. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,519.17 | $6,583 | $78,997 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.50 | $3,950 | $47,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.67 | $2,633 | $31,599 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Worcester) | $37.98 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $78,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.46% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,763.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.98/hr = $47,398/year (purchasing power: $46,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,997/year (purchasing power: $77,053).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Worcester grew 33.7% from $27.65/hr (2019) to $36.97/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.02/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
For a physical therapist assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week, the earnings can sum up to roughly $47,000 annually, which represents a solid income albeit lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Worcester typically ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, which can offer flexibility but often lacks the stability of a full-time position. Additionally, travel contracts for physical therapist assistants may yield weekly revenues between $1,200 and $1,800, depending on location and demand. It's also vital to consider the type of employer, as hourly rates can vary substantially; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer more competitive wages compared to settings like skilled nursing facilities, particularly since the 15% Medicare cut to services in 2022. Some may opt to work for lower hourly rates at facilities offering health benefits, highlighting the trade-offs physical therapist assistants face regarding security versus higher earnings. Understanding the local market and honing negotiation skills can provide significant advantages for PTAs seeking optimal pay in Worcester.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Worcester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Worcester?
Are physical therapist assistants in Worcester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Worcester?
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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 Worcester. 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