Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in New Bedford, MA: $79,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in New Bedford, MA earns a median $79,319/year (≈ $38.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,105 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in New Bedford is projected at $79,319, with figures representing a notable 12.91% premium over the national median of $70,247. Local salaries range significantly, with the lowest earners at $57,383 and the highest at $102,520. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the competitive earning potential in New Bedford. Physical therapist assistants in the area not only benefit from this regional compensation but also face productivity expectations that influence overall pay. With the critical role of outpatient services and patient visit standards, the dynamics of the local healthcare market shape compensation structures effectively.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,383 | $27.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,451 | $33.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,319 | $38.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,517 | $43.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,520 | $49.29 |
Median Salary Position
12.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,137 (2026 est.). At $79,319, the local median is 12.91% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $79,319/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,767 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +12.91% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $79,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.91% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,767.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,319 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,105 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,670
2025 BLS Actual
$77,211
2026 Current Est.
$79,319
2019–2027 Growth
+18.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,211 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,484 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 12.4% from $68,670 (2019) to $77,211 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,484 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,814 (18.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $57,383 – $70,451 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,451 – $79,319 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,319 – $90,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,517 – $102,520 |
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 New Bedford
In terms of employment, New Bedford has about 24 physical therapist assistants actively working, which reflects a stable but selective job market. The local cost-of-living index is 108.5, indicating that while gross pay may look attractive, the take-home purchasing power can be tempered by expenses. Among the various employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer higher pay than skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, and hospital inpatient rehab. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include the working environment, such as productivity expectations, shift differentials for weekend work, and regulatory impacts like the 15% Medicare cut on PTA services. To maximize their compensation, physical therapist assistants in New Bedford would benefit from pursuing positions in higher-paying settings, seeking additional certifications, or exploring bridge pathways to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to enhance their qualifications and marketability.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 $77,211 for physical therapist assistantsin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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