Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Chicopee, MA: $78,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Chicopee, MA earns a median $78,335/year (≈ $37.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Chicopee's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Chicopee, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $78,335, reflecting a notable rise compared to national figures, which stand at $70,247. The local salary range varies considerably, from $52,481 at the 10th percentile to $105,417 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities in the market. Following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that impacted many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and outpatient practices, the dynamics of the job market have shifted. These changes have influenced wages, signaling to prospective physical therapist assistants in Chicopee that the sector demands adaptable professionals who can navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
About the Chicopee Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,481 | $25.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,276 | $31.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,335 | $37.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,220 | $42.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,417 | $50.68 |
Median Salary Position
11.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicopee
In Chicopee, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,936 (2026 est.). At $78,335, the local median is 11.51% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicopee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicopee Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Chicopee median: $78,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicopee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,728 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +11.51% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chicopee, MA earn a median of $78,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,728.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicopee has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicopee, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,335 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,198 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,559
2025 BLS Actual
$76,253
2026 Current Est.
$78,335
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,997 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,725 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,473 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicopee metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $65,559 (2019) to $76,253 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,473 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,914 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicopee 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) | $52,481 – $66,276 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,276 – $78,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,335 – $89,220 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,220 – $105,417 |
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 Chicopee
The local employment scenario in Chicopee currently includes about 10 physical therapist assistants, revealing a compact market that may foster strong community ties among professionals. The cost of living index at 108.5 suggests that while salaries appear robust, the actual purchasing power may be somewhat diminished. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies tend to offer the highest salaries, particularly post-reimbursement cuts that have compressed earnings in SNFs. As physical therapist assistants evaluate their compensation, factors like productivity expectations, weekend opportunities, and supervisory roles may influence their pay increase potential. To maximize salary potential, pursuing additional credentials or transitioning to settings that value more complex patient interactions can be advantageous in this locale.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $76,253 for physical therapist assistantsin the Chicopee 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 Chicopee 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