Healthcare Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Physical Therapist Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median physical therapist salary in Boston, MA is $156,352 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$156,352
vs State Avg
+$16,612
vs National
+$58,632
Cost of Living
152%

Physical Therapist Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median physical therapist salary of $156,352, which is $16,612 above the Massachusetts state average of $139,740. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $156,352 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $102,863. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Boston spans from $106,880 at the 10th percentile to $208,320 at the 90th percentile — a $101,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,800, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$108,800
+$40,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,800
+$58,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,800
+$76,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $106,880
25th Percentile $128,320
Median (50th) $156,352
75th Percentile $186,240
90th Percentile $208,320

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$164,170
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$115,310
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$110,424
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$103,583
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Boston

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Boston

Browse open physical therapist positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Boston

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $156,352 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $106,880 (10th percentile) to $208,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,352, a physical therapist in Boston earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Boston's median physical therapist salary of $156,352 is 11.9% above the Massachusetts state average of $139,740. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $156,352 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Boston? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Boston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.