Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Amherst Town, MA: $37.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Amherst Town, MA runs $37.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Amherst Town's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.2, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,078 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amherst Town, Massachusetts, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) earn a median hourly rate of $37.72, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This rate creates attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem employees, making positions in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care appealing for those seeking flexibility. With an hourly range from $31.58 at the entry level to $40.26 for top earners, PTAs can find various job settings that cater to their preferences, whether they are looking to work three days a week or engage in per-diem assignments. This information is based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a stable outlook for those considering a career in this vital health field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.58 | $252.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.36 | $274.91 |
| Median (P50) | $37.72 | $301.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.71 | $309.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.26 | $322.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst Town
Based on $37.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.72/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst Town, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,267. With a cost-of-living index of 100.24 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst Town.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst Town
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,508.90 | $6,539 | $78,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $905.34 | $3,923 | $47,078 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.56 | $2,615 | $31,385 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Amherst Town) | $37.72 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Amherst Town, MA earn a median of $78,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.70% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,701.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.72/hr = $47,078/year (purchasing power: $46,964).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,463/year (purchasing power: $78,273).
CoL index: 100.243 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Amherst Town (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Amherst Town grew 16.3% from $31.57/hr (2019) to $36.72/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst Town 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Amherst Town
Examining part-time opportunities, a PTA working three days a week for a total of 24 hours could expect to bring in around $46,430 annually, which is a competitive salary compared to full-time work. For those seeking more flexibility, per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Amherst Town varies considerably, typically between $32 and $48 per hour. Contract roles for travel PTAs can yield substantial earnings, with weekly compensation ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer. For instance, outpatient orthopedic chains may offer more than skilled nursing facilities, especially with the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that has historically impacted pay in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. PTAs may also face a pay trade-off between higher hourly rates and benefits like health insurance, particularly when positions in schools or certain private practices incentivize lower rates. Understanding these dynamics equips PTAs in Amherst Town with the knowledge to negotiate effectively and find roles that meet both financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Amherst Town, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Amherst Town in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Amherst Town?
Are physical therapist assistants in Amherst Town paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Amherst Town?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst Town?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Amherst Town. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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