Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Stoughton, MA: $81,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Stoughton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,916 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stoughton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,756) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field, the starting physical therapist salary in Stoughton, MA, provides a solid foundation, with an estimated entry-level pay around $81,916 in 2026. Although this figure is lower than the city’s median annual salary of $102,756, it presents reasonable expectations for recent DPT program graduates. New therapists can anticipate growth in their earnings as they gain experience, progressing from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile salary of $86,182 within just a few years. Stoughton currently represents a favorable job market for entry-level practitioners seeking employment in various healthcare settings, with an annual growth rate of 2.46% projected for the region over the next five years.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stoughton
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 Stoughton
Entry-level physical therapists in Stoughton, MA typically start between $81,916 and $86,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,950 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,756 — 2.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 207.53% of the starting physical therapist pay ($81,916/year) in Stoughton. 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 Stoughton
- 1Research the Stoughton market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $81,916 to $86,182, 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 Stoughton, 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 Stoughton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stoughton'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 Stoughton is $48,950 ( 59.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,916, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,866.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,382
2025 BLS Actual
$79,949
2026 Current Est.
$81,916
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Stoughton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,843 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,383 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,891 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,298 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,931 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Stoughton, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,382 in 2019 to $79,949 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,931. New graduates entering the Stoughton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton 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 Stoughton
Employers in Stoughton actively recruit recent graduates for positions at outpatient orthopedic clinics, where structured productivity models are commonplace. Organizations such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico frequently offer entry-level roles and may implement productivity bonuses to incentivize performance. Additionally, local hospital systems often provide residency programs that lead to board certification, which can enhance professional qualifications and salary expectations. New grads with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, who pass the NPTE and secure state licensure, are well-positioned to enter the workforce. Certain skilled nursing facilities, like Genesis and RehabCare, may offer higher starting salaries and opportunities for specialized training in fields such as orthopedic clinical specialties (OCS) and sports clinical specialties (SCS). With a focus on career advancement and continuing education, early-career physical therapists in Stoughton should aim to increase their pay progressively, often realizing a substantial return on investment as they build their skills and professional credentials within their first three years.
More salary data for Stoughton, 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 Stoughton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stoughton 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