Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $51.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Chelsea, MA runs $51.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Chelsea'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 Chelsea, Massachusetts, the physical therapist hourly rate is projected to reach $51.14 in 2026, which reflects a competitive edge over the national median of $50.62. This rate holds significant implications for those working part-time or as per-diem physical therapists, commonly found in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. For workers on a part-time schedule of three days per week, the earnings can provide a stable income while allowing for flexibility or secondary employment. The hourly pay range for physical therapists in Chelsea extends from $39.42 for entry-level positions to $63.60 for experienced professionals, emphasizing the potential growth in compensation as practitioners advance in their careers. These hourly figures are estimated from the annual salary data, illustrating the financial viability of pursuing a career in this field.
About the Chelsea 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) | $39.42 | $315.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.06 | $344.51 |
| Median (P50) | $51.14 | $409.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.73 | $469.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.60 | $508.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $51.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.14/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, 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 Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| 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 (Chelsea) | $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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $106,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.02% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,330.
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 Chelsea (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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Considering the financial landscape, part-time physical therapists working around 24 hours per week can expect to take home about $49,175 annually, a figure considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. For those opting for per-diem positions, the working reality reflects varying pay rates; commonly, these therapists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Specializing in cash-pay practices, particularly in sports or orthopedic therapy in high cost of living (HCOL) markets, can significantly elevate income, with rates reaching as high as $250 per hour. In Chelsea, the physical therapist hourly pay can differ across employer types, with outpatient clinics often offering less than hospital systems but potentially including productivity bonuses. As such, therapists may have to consider the trade-off between a higher hourly rate with no benefits and a stable job that includes health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies can enhance one’s hourly pay, particularly by emphasizing unique skill sets or experience in specialized practice areas that are in high demand.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Chelsea?
Are physical therapists in Chelsea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Chelsea?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelsea?
Related Pages
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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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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