Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $37.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Northampton, MA runs $37.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,462 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $37.23 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate significantly benefits part-time professionals and per-diem workers, allowing those in various settings—such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy—to maximize their earnings while enjoying the flexibility that comes with less-than-full-time hours. For those entering the workforce or advancing their careers, hourly rates for this occupation can range from $27.50 for entry-level positions to $47.28 for those at the top of their field. These figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, reflecting the demand for skilled PTAs in a city where healthcare roles continue to expand.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.50 | $220.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.42 | $267.34 |
| Median (P50) | $37.23 | $297.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.36 | $338.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.28 | $378.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton
Based on $37.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.23/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,675. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.17 | $6,453 | $77,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.50 | $3,872 | $46,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.67 | $2,581 | $30,975 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Northampton) | $37.23 |
| 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 Northampton, MA earn a median of $77,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.22% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,766.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.23/hr = $46,462/year (purchasing power: $42,822).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,437/year (purchasing power: $71,371).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Northampton grew 16.3% from $31.16/hr (2019) to $36.24/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.25/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 Northampton 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 Northampton
For physical therapist assistants working part-time in Northampton, the potential earnings from a typical 24-hour work week can total around $46,585 annually, depending on factors like experience level and specific job settings. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Northampton varies, typically billing between $32-$48 per hour, but those working under agency contracts may earn weekly between $1,200 and $1,800. In skilled nursing facilities where the effects of the 15% Medicare cut have led to reduced PTA wages, some professionals opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits. The variety in hourly rates across different employer types, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab units, may influence negotiation strategies as PTAs seek competitive pay without sacrificing essential benefits. Understanding local pay scales and the nuances of employer offerings is crucial for those entering or advancing within the field in MA.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Northampton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Northampton?
Are physical therapist assistants in Northampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Northampton?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Northampton?
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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 Northampton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Northampton 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