Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $51.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Amherst, MA runs $51.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,820 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $51.14, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate allows part-time therapists, working around three days a week, to earn a respectable income—making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Additionally, per-diem physical therapists operating in diverse settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports therapy centers, find the hourly compensation quite favorable. The earning potential ranges from $37.94 for entry-level positions to as much as $63.74 for top earners, indicating that experience and specialization can significantly impact earnings within the local market. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections based on the latest estimates, emphasizing the value of physical therapy work in the region.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.94 | $303.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.05 | $360.41 |
| Median (P50) | $51.14 | $409.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.70 | $469.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.74 | $509.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $51.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.14/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $106,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,365. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,045.51 | $8,864 | $106,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,227.31 | $5,318 | $63,820 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.20 | $3,546 | $42,547 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Amherst) | $51.14 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $106,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,338.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.14/hr = $63,820/year (purchasing power: $58,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,367/year (purchasing power: $98,034).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Amherst grew 14.9% from $43.44/hr (2019) to $49.91/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Amherst
Considering the unique working arrangements available, physical therapists opting for part-time schedules can expect a different earning trajectory compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours a week would see annual earnings significantly lower than full-time salaries, yet the flexibility might outweigh financial drawbacks for many. Per-diem roles are especially lucrative, with billing rates often between $50 and $75 per hour, while some travel PT contracts can yield up to $2,800 weekly. In Amherst, the variation in hourly rates largely depends on the type of employer, with outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies offering distinct compensation packages. Physical therapists may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment or select higher-paying options without health insurance. Negotiation skills are crucial in this landscape; those aware of their worth might secure better terms, making it essential for physical therapists in MA to understand local market dynamics and their value within them.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Amherst?
Are physical therapists in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Amherst?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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