Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Woburn, MA: $80,408 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Woburn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,408 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woburn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,109 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,132) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates venturing into the physical therapy field in Woburn, Massachusetts, can anticipate an entry-level annual salary around $80,408 in 2026, a figure that is notably below the city's median of $102,132. This gap may allow for growth within the first few years, as early-career therapists could move into the 25th percentile salary of $84,912 as they gain experience and demonstrate their skills. Woburn currently presents a favorable environment for new grads; with a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, those entering the workforce can expect competitive advancements in their pay as they establish their professional foundation.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woburn
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 Woburn
Entry-level physical therapists in Woburn, MA typically start between $80,408 and $84,912 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,727 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,132 — 3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $170,000 represents just 211.42% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,408/year) in Woburn. 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 Woburn
- 1Research the Woburn market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,408 to $84,912, 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 Woburn, 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 Woburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woburn'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 Woburn is $48,727 ( 60.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,408, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,135.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,197
2025 BLS Actual
$78,477
2026 Current Est.
$80,408
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,003 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,087 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,477 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,408 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,386 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Woburn, MA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,197 in 2019 to $78,477 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,386. New graduates entering the Woburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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 Woburn
Both outpatient orthopedic chains and hospital systems are among the primary employers actively hiring new graduates in Woburn. Facilities such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico typically onboard entry-level physical therapists while providing structured productivity models that can lead to higher earnings through bonuses. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs that culminate in board certification, which can significantly enhance a therapist's credentials and starting pay. To solidify their market position, entry-level therapists should focus on obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state license. Engaging in continuing education programs and exploring board specializations like OCS or SCS can also prove beneficial as they navigate their first few years. Given the current trends, entry-level salaries may see upward movement as therapists adapt to productivity expectations while providing quality care amidst industry changes and reimbursement challenges.
More salary data for Woburn, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Woburn in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Woburn?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Woburn?
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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 Woburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woburn 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