Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Needham, MA: $77,357 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Needham, MA earns a median $77,357/year (≈ $37.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Needham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,297 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Needham, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $77,357, which represents a notable 10.12% increase compared to the national average of $70,247. The salary range spans from $54,358 at the 10th percentile to a top tier of $97,160 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, reflect the area's economic landscape. The opportunity for PTAs to bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree can significantly enhance lifetime earning potential, creating a compelling pathway for professionals in the field. With local employment figures showing six PTAs in Needham, the job market holds promise for aspiring physical therapist assistants.
About the Needham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,358 | $26.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,200 | $32.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,357 | $37.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,528 | $42.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,160 | $46.71 |
Median Salary Position
10.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Needham
In Needham, MA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,802 (2026 est.). At $77,357, the local median is 10.12% above the national median of $70,247.
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How Needham Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Needham median: $77,357/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Needham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,695 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +10.12% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Needham, MA earn a median of $77,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.12% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Needham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Needham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,357 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,297 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,740
2025 BLS Actual
$75,301
2026 Current Est.
$77,357
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,755 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,357 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Needham metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $64,740 (2019) to $75,301 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,729 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Needham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,358 – $67,200 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,200 – $77,357 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,357 – $87,528 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,528 – $97,160 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Needham
The current job market for physical therapist assistants in Needham features a low employment rate with just six professionals working in the area. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, which indicates a higher-than-average living cost relative to the national baseline. This reality affects the take-home purchasing power of PTAs and heightens the importance of strategic job selection. Positions in outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer some of the most competitive wages, while skilled nursing facilities may lag due to recent Medicare cuts impacting PTA reimbursements. The difference between lower and higher salaries is often driven by job setting, productivity expectations, and varying supervision requirements. To maximize earnings, PTAs in Needham should consider opportunities in settings with higher patient volume or specialty areas while also exploring options to further their qualifications and transition to a DPT role.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $75,301 for physical therapist assistantsin the Needham metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Needham 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