Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Lawrence, MA: $80,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,658 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,339 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the physical therapy field in Lawrence, Massachusetts, the starting physical therapist salary is on the lower end at approximately $80,658 in 2026. While this entry-level figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $104,689, it signifies a promising trajectory for early-career professionals. In just a few years, many physical therapists can expect to progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $88,546 as they gain experience and develop their skills. The steady growth projected at 2.46% annually suggests that the Lawrence market is favorable for new grads looking to establish themselves in a career that is projected to remain in demand.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level physical therapists in Lawrence, MA typically start between $80,658 and $88,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,689 — 0.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 210.77% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,658/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,658 to $88,546, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $56,692 ( 70.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,658, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,350.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,393
2025 BLS Actual
$78,721
2026 Current Est.
$80,658
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,302 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,043 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,721 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,642 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,393 in 2019 to $78,721 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,642. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Several employers in Lawrence actively seek out newly graduated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professionals. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as ATI and Select Medical, often provide structured environments with productivity targets that facilitate professional growth, though they may start with lower pay. Hospital systems in the area tend to offer more competitive salaries and may provide residency programs that lead to valuable board certifications, enhancing earning potential. Graduates should also consider obtaining a state PT license and possibly pursuing further credentials through APTA membership or specialized residencies. The first three years will crucially set the pace for salary growth in this field, particularly as a new grad physical therapist pay in MA can see increases when transitioning into settings that prioritize clinical productivity and mentorship opportunities.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Lawrence?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lawrence?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Lawrence?
How do I become a physical therapist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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