Physical Therapist Pay

Boston vs Natick: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Natick, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$106,097
$51.00/hr
Natick, MA
$103,365
$49.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MANatick, MA
Median Salary$106,097$103,365
Hourly Rate$51.00$49.69
Entry Level (P10)$83,218$83,288
25th Percentile$97,081$89,745
75th Percentile$125,391$117,417
Top Earner (P90)$133,423$136,470
Total Employed5,3305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($106,097) and Natick ($103,365) physical therapist salaries.BostonNatickMedian Salary$106,097$103,365Entry Level (P10)$83,218$83,288Top Earner (P90)$133,423$136,470US Median $105,288

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Natick.

The salary gap between Boston and Natick is $2,732 (2.64%). 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,Natick spans $53,182. Natick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$83,218
P25$97,081
Median$106,097
P75$125,391
P90 (Top)$133,423
Natick
P10 (Entry)$83,288
P25$89,745
Median$103,365
P75$117,417
P90 (Top)$136,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($97,997 effective) pays 2.86% more than Natick ($95,267 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $106,097
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $97,997
Natick
Nominal: $103,365
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $95,267

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 Natick if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($136,470)
  • 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 Natick over the same period.

Boston, MA

+13.3%

$91,380 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)

Natick, MA

+-3.4%

$104,475 (2024) → $100,883 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Boston or Natick?

Boston has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,097/year, compared to Natick at $103,365/year — a difference of $2,732 (2.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Natick?

Boston physical therapists earn $51.00/hr while Natick hygienists earn $49.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Natick as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Natick. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $97,997, Natick = $95,267), job availability (5,330 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boston vs Natick?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $83,218 in Boston and $83,288 in Natick. The Natick area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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