Boston vs Worcester: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,097 | $106,343▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.00 | $51.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,218 | $83,700▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,081 | $97,368▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,391▲ | $122,716 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,423▲ | $128,639 |
| Total Employed | 5,330▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Boston and Worcester are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Worcester is $246 (0.23%). Worcester's median is +1.00% 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,Worcester spans $44,939. 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, Worcester ($103,726 effective) pays 5.85% 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 Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,343/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,726)
- ✓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 18.3% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Boston, MA
$91,380 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$87,730 (2019) → $103,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Boston or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Boston to Worcester as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boston vs Worcester?
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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