Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Northampton, MA: $77,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Northampton, MA earns a median $77,427/year (≈ $37.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Northampton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,361 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the forecast for the physical therapist assistant salary in Northampton, Massachusetts, is projected at $77,427, which is 10.22% above the national median of $70,247. The salary spectrum for the role ranges from $57,205 at the 10th percentile to $98,329 at the 90th percentile. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflecting significant shifts in the market. The local landscape has evolved notably due to recent Medicare cuts that have reorganized the distribution of jobs and salary scales between outpatient and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This restructuring has made outpatient clinics a more attractive option for many PTAs, as they tend to offer more competitive compensation.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,205 | $27.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,509 | $33.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,427 | $37.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,091 | $42.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,329 | $47.28 |
Median Salary Position
10.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northampton
In Northampton, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,124 (2026 est.). At $77,427, the local median is 10.22% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northampton Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Northampton median: $77,427/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,766 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +10.22% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Northampton, MA earn a median of $77,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.22% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,766.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northampton has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northampton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,427 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,361 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,799
2025 BLS Actual
$75,369
2026 Current Est.
$77,427
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,799 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,433 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,540 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northampton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $64,799 (2019) to $75,369 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,540 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,741 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northampton 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) | $57,205 – $69,509 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,509 – $77,427 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,427 – $88,091 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,091 – $98,329 |
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 Northampton
In Northampton, the local job market currently employs just six physical therapist assistants, illustrating a niche but steadily growing demand in the area. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that residents may experience a higher expense rate than the national average. The most competitive salaries are typically offered by outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab settings, which often outpace SNF compensation due to the productivity expectations and pay structures in those environments. The 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements has particularly affected PTAs working in SNF settings, pushing many to seek opportunities in outpatient facilities. To maximize pay in Northampton, PTAs might consider working in environments that prioritize volume and throughput while also exploring potential weekend or PRN roles that offer premium pay. Understanding these nuances can provide an edge for those entering the profession or seeking to improve their pay in this market.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Northampton, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Northampton?
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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 $75,369 for physical therapist assistantsin the Northampton 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 Northampton 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