Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Quincy, MA: $54,647 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,647 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,366 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,111) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Quincy, Massachusetts, the 2026 starting physical therapist assistant salary shows promising potential despite being below the median for the region, which is projected at $78,111. With entry-level positions typically starting around $54,647, there is a noticeable gap for those first embarking on their careers. However, the growth path is clear and achievable—over a span of 3 to 5 years, entry-level PTAs can realistically aim to secure an income closer to the 25th percentile of $67,967 as they gain experience and establish themselves. The local market in Quincy seems favorable for recent graduates as the projected growth rate of 2.73% suggests expanding opportunities in the coming years, particularly as demand for healthcare services continues to rise amid a changing patient demographic.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Quincy, MA typically start between $54,647 and $67,967 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,111 — 11.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $35,000 represents just 64.05% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($54,647/year) in Quincy. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $54,647 to $67,967, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Quincy is $51,857 ( 94.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,647, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,504.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,264
2025 BLS Actual
$53,195
2026 Current Est.
$54,647
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,647 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,139 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,264 in 2019 to $53,195 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,139. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Quincy
In Quincy, major employers such as outpatient therapy clinics are often the first choice for hiring new grad physical therapist assistants seeking initial positions. Despite the recent challenges posed by reimbursement cuts in skilled nursing facilities, there remains a steady demand in those settings as well, albeit preferring candidates with prior experience. To enhance their starting physical therapist assistant pay in MA, new graduates should ensure they possess the necessary credentialing—completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license are fundamental steps. Aspiring PTAs should also stay abreast of continuing education opportunities, including advanced proficiency credentials offered by the APTA, which can make a transition to higher-paying roles smoother. In the first few years, salary expectations can modestly increase as entry-level professionals become familiar with legal and Medicare compliance issues in patient care, which will help facilitate career advancements and possibly bridge towards a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) later on.
More salary data for Quincy, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Quincy in 2026?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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