Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Attleboro, MA: $80,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Attleboro, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,621 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Attleboro's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,305 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,265) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As new graduates enter the workforce, it's essential to understand the realities of compensation in Attleboro, Massachusetts. For those beginning their careers, the starting physical therapist salary in Attleboro is projected to be around $80,621 annually in 2026. This amount reflects a significant gap when compared to the city's median salary of $102,265, which emphasizes the entry-level position's starting point. However, aspiring physical therapists can expect growth in their earnings over the first few years, with early-career salaries gradually climbing toward the 25th percentile of $87,455 and eventually positioning themselves closer to the median as they gain experience. Considering these factors, Attleboro presents a viable market for new grad physical therapist pay in MA, especially for those willing to invest in their ongoing education and professional development.
About the Attleboro Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Attleboro
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Attleboro
Entry-level physical therapists in Attleboro, MA typically start between $80,621 and $87,455 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,301 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,265 — 2.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 210.86% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,621/year) in Attleboro. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Attleboro
- 1Research the Attleboro market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,621 to $87,455, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Attleboro, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Attleboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Attleboro's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Attleboro is $52,301 ( 64.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,621, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,922.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,364
2025 BLS Actual
$78,685
2026 Current Est.
$80,621
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Attleboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,707 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,604 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Attleboro, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,364 in 2019 to $78,685 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,604. New graduates entering the Attleboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Attleboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Attleboro
Various employers in Attleboro actively seek to hire newly minted DPT graduates, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains that are known for providing structured productivity ramps for their therapists. Hospital systems also present opportunities, often offering residency programs that lead to board certification, which can be beneficial in elevating an early-career therapist's credentials and salary potential. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, may offer higher starting salaries but also come with demanding productivity expectations. Obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and securing a state PT license are vital steps. Further, pursuing optional residencies or specializations, such as OCS or SCS, can enhance one's marketability. In the first three years, therapists can anticipate gradual pay increases as they adapt to the industry and refine their skills, particularly amid increasing pressures from reimbursement standards and evolving industry practices.
More salary data for Attleboro, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Attleboro in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Attleboro?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Attleboro?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Attleboro?
How do I become a physical therapist in Massachusetts?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Attleboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Attleboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov