Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Haverhill, MA: $78,739 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,739 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,571 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,672) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Haverhill, Massachusetts offers a promising beginning for newly minted physical therapists, with an entry-level physical therapist salary reaching approximately $78,739 in 2026. This starting figure is below the city's median salary of $107,672, indicating a substantial gap that new graduates can strive to close as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years in the field, one can expect growth through the $88,238 range and possibly approach the median as skill sets and professional contacts build. With a 2.46% growth rate projected annually, Haverhill presents a solid market for new graduates who are looking to establish their careers in a community that values health and rehabilitation services.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level physical therapists in Haverhill, MA typically start between $78,739 and $88,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,804 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,672 — 2.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 215.90% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,739/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,739 to $88,238, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $57,804 ( 73.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,739, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,543.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,886
2025 BLS Actual
$76,849
2026 Current Est.
$78,739
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,886 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,739 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,676 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,886 in 2019 to $76,849 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,676. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Prospective physical therapists in Haverhill should consider various employment options conducive to career growth. Outpatient orthopedic chains—such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico—often hire new graduates, though these positions may initially offer lower pay compared to hospital systems, which frequently provide residency programs that lead to board certification. Facilities like Genesis and RehabCare present opportunities within skilled nursing facilities, which tend to offer better starting salaries. To maximize starting pay, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE national exam is essential. Joining APTA aids in professional development. For the first few years, new graduates should anticipate a gradual climb in their earnings; while entry-level pay is competitive, strategic career decisions and continued education in specialization can enhance financial and professional prospects in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Haverhill, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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