Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Framingham, MA: $79,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,001 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,812 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,596) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking their first job as physical therapists in Framingham, Massachusetts, the entry-level pay is projected at approximately $79,001 in 2026. This starting physical therapist salary in Framingham is significantly lower than the overall median salary for physical therapists in the area, which is estimated at $107,596. This gap shows a typical progression where early-career professionals can expect growth as they gain experience, moving toward the 25th percentile pay of roughly $88,082 after their first few years. Given Framingham's favorable job market and competitive salary range, new grads are entering a promising field, especially as the profession anticipates a growth rate of 2.46% annually, providing ample opportunity for advancement within their careers.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level physical therapists in Framingham, MA typically start between $79,001 and $88,082 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,941 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,596 — 2.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 215.19% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,001/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,001 to $88,082, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $60,941 ( 77.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,001, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,942.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,091
2025 BLS Actual
$77,104
2026 Current Est.
$79,001
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,091 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,878 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,104 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,944 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,091 in 2019 to $77,104 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,944. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
In terms of employment opportunities for a new grad physical therapist in MA, various facilities in Framingham actively hire fresh graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, are known for integrating new DPT graduates into their practices through structured productivity ramps, albeit with lower starting wages compared to hospital systems. These hospitals typically offer residency programs that not only support certification but also enhance earning potential significantly. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities, like Genesis and RehabCare, tend to provide higher starting salaries, making them a viable option for new graduates. For those looking to boost their pay, holding a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and obtaining a state PT license are foundational. Engaging in ongoing education and pursuing board specializations like OCS or SCS can further elevate their credentials. Realistically, during the first three years, new graduates can expect their earnings to grow as they build their patient base and increase productivity in their respective roles, navigating a field marked by evolving reimbursement structures and practice models.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Framingham in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Framingham?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Framingham?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Framingham?
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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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