Boston vs Methuen: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Methuen, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Methuen, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,097▲ | $105,832 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.00▲ | $50.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,218 | $83,259▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,081▲ | $90,884 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,391 | $126,489▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,423 | $140,848▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,330▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Methuen.
The salary gap between Boston and Methuen is $265 (0.25%). Boston's median is +0.77% 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,Methuen spans $57,589. Methuen 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, Boston ($97,997 effective) pays 0.47% more than Methuen ($97,541 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,097/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,997)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Methuen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,848)
- ✓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 Methuen over the same period.
Boston, MA
$91,380 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Methuen, MA
$106,968 (2024) → $103,291 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Methuen, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Boston or Methuen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Methuen?
Should I relocate from Boston to Methuen as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boston vs Methuen?
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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