Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lowell, MA: $78,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lowell, MA earns a median $78,950/year (≈ $37.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $72,765 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Lowell, Massachusetts is projected to reach a median of $78,950, notably above the national median of $70,247. This figure is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting a salary range where entry-level positions start at around $56,542 (P10) and experienced professionals can earn up to $106,205 (P90). The competitive compensation in this urban setting can be attributed to the structural shifts in healthcare reimbursement models, especially following the Medicare cuts that impacted skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and shifted the demand for outpatient services. As such, understanding the local job market dynamics is critical for aspiring physical therapist assistants navigating their careers in Lowell.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,542 | $27.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,688 | $33.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,950 | $37.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,813 | $44.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,205 | $51.06 |
Median Salary Position
12.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,663 (2026 est.). At $78,950, the local median is 12.39% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lowell median: $78,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,714 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +12.39% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lowell, MA earn a median of $78,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,714.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,950 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,765 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,074
2025 BLS Actual
$76,852
2026 Current Est.
$78,950
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,074 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,105 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $66,074 (2019) to $76,852 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,105 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,031 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $56,542 – $69,688 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,688 – $78,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,950 – $92,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,813 – $106,205 |
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 Lowell
With 29 physical therapist assistants currently working in the region, the job market offers a decent level of employment opportunities. However, the cost of living index for Lowell stands at 108.5, which is above the national average, potentially affecting take-home purchasing power. Employers in the area that typically offer higher salaries include outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities, which tend to be better insulated from the adverse effects of the recent Medicare reimbursement changes. The difference in pay between settings can be influenced by factors such as productivity expectations, supervisory requirements, and the demand for services, particularly in outpatient and SNF environments. For those entering the field, strategies such as pursuing additional certifications, seeking employment in high-paying sectors, and considering the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway can enhance earning potential in the Lowell job market.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Lowell, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Lowell?
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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 $76,852 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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