Boston vs Chelsea: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,097 | $106,364▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.00 | $51.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,218▲ | $81,984 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,081▲ | $89,581 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,391▲ | $122,151 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,423▲ | $132,290 |
| Total Employed | 5,330▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston and Chelsea are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $267 (0.25%). Chelsea's median is +1.02% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $50,205,Chelsea spans $50,306. Chelsea has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chelsea ($98,031 effective) pays 0.04% more than Boston ($97,997 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,423)
- ✓Larger job market (5,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,364/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,031)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Boston grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$91,380 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$107,506 (2024) → $103,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov