Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Worcester, MA: $78,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Worcester, MA earns a median $78,999/year (≈ $37.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $77,055 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, the projected median annual physical therapist assistant salary in Worcester is $78,999. This figure outpaces the national average by 12.46%, reflecting Worcester's robust healthcare landscape that has adapted post-Medicare cuts, particularly in outpatient settings. The salary range for this occupation spans from $62,090 at the 10th percentile to $90,125 at the 90th percentile. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, these projections indicate a competitive compensation environment, driven by the city's demand for physical therapy services. Worcester’s job market for physical therapist assistants remains strong, making it a favorable location for both current practitioners and newcomers to the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,672 | $32.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,999 | $37.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,170 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,125 | $43.33 |
Median Salary Position
12.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,035 (2026 est.). At $78,999, the local median is 12.46% above the national median of $70,247.
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How Worcester Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Worcester median: $78,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,763 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +12.46% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Worcester, MA earn a median of $78,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.46% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,999 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,055 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,510
2025 BLS Actual
$76,900
2026 Current Est.
$78,999
2019–2027 Growth
+41.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,156 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 33.7% from $57,510 (2019) to $76,900 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,156 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,646 (41.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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) | $62,090 – $66,672 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,672 – $78,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,999 – $80,170 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,170 – $90,125 |
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 Worcester
In Worcester, approximately 310 physical therapist assistants are actively employed, contributing to a steady local job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 102.523, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the increased cost of living may impact overall purchasing power. Employers in the area, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, typically offer the highest wages, significantly determined by factors such as setting and productivity expectations. The differences between pay scales can largely be attributed to the operational demands of various environments along with the lingering effects of the Medicare 15% cut, which went into effect in 2022. To maximize earning potential in this market, PTAs should consider roles within hospital inpatient rehab or seek opportunities in settings with higher reimbursement rates, such as outpatient and specialty clinics. Exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge programs might also be beneficial for long-term career advancement in this competitive field.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Worcester, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Worcester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Worcester?
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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 $76,900 for physical therapist assistantsin the Worcester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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