Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Chelsea, MA: $78,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Chelsea, MA earns a median $78,011/year (≈ $37.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the compensation for physical therapist assistants reflects the local market dynamics, with a median annual salary projected at $78,011 for 2026. The salary range varies significantly, extending from $55,918 at the 10th percentile to as much as $96,565 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by a combination of BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the higher cost of living in Chelsea, where the index stands at 108.5. Expectations around productivity and visits per day play a substantial role in shaping effective compensation, contributing to a competitive salary landscape that likely attracts skilled professionals to the area.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,918 | $26.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,582 | $32.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,011 | $37.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,406 | $42.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,565 | $46.42 |
Median Salary Position
11.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,647 (2026 est.). At $78,011, the local median is 11.05% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be above the median
How Chelsea Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $78,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,720 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +11.05% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $78,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.05% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,011 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,900 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,288
2025 BLS Actual
$75,938
2026 Current Est.
$78,011
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,376 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,708 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,404 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $65,288 (2019) to $75,938 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,853 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,918 – $68,582 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,582 – $78,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,011 – $87,406 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,406 – $96,565 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Chelsea
Currently, there are six physical therapist assistants employed in Chelsea, MA, indicating a specialized yet limited job market. The cost of living impacts take-home pay, meaning salaries here might not stretch as far as in areas with lower living costs. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the most competitive pay, whereas skilled nursing facilities may experience tighter budgets due to the Medicare reimbursement cuts that affect PTA-provided services. The disparity between lower and higher salaries arises from various factors, including the setting of employment, productivity expectations, and the demand for weekend or PRN shifts. To maximize earning potential in Chelsea, aspiring physical therapist assistants should consider pursuing positions in higher-paying settings and remaining informed on possible PT to DPT bridge pathways, given the evolving job market context driven by state regulations and Medicare policies.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Chelsea, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Chelsea?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Chelsea?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $75,938 for physical therapist assistantsin the Chelsea metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chelsea 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