Healthcare Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Massachusetts

The median physical therapist salary in Massachusetts is $139,740 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$139,740
vs National
+$42,020
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physical therapists seeking high pay. At $139,740 per year, physical therapists in Massachusetts earn $42,020 more than the national median of $97,720.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $139,740 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $103,511.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $95,524, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $186,186 — a $90,662 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $164,170.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Massachusetts and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $97,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $183,040 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$97,240
+$29,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,140
+$42,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$183,040
+$55,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $95,524
25th Percentile $114,686
Median (50th) $139,740
75th Percentile $166,452
90th Percentile $186,186

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Massachusetts

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Massachusetts is $139,740 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $95,524 (10th percentile) to $186,186 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $139,740, a physical therapist in Massachusetts earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $97,240, while senior professionals earn $183,040.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Massachusetts's median of $139,740 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($173,942) and California ($142,671).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Massachusetts earns approximately $97,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $140,140. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $183,040.
What city in Massachusetts pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for physical therapists, with a median salary of $164,170. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.