Boston vs Watertown: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Watertown, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,097▲ | $105,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.00▲ | $50.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,218▲ | $81,096 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,081▲ | $92,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,391▲ | $121,111 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,423▲ | $131,239 |
| Total Employed | 5,330▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Boston and Watertown is $142 (0.13%). 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,Watertown spans $50,143. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($97,997 effective) pays 0.35% more than Watertown ($97,654 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,423)
- ✓Larger job market (5,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,997)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓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 Watertown over the same period.
Boston, MA
$91,380 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Watertown, MA
$107,093 (2024) → $103,411 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Watertown, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Boston or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Boston to Watertown as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boston vs Watertown?
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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