Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $50.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Lawrence, MA runs $50.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,810 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $50.33, slightly below the national median of $50.62. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this rate can translate into a stable and rewarding income depending on the specific setting. Physical therapists can find work in diverse environments, including outpatient clinics, hospital inpatient rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. This hourly rate allows for a range of compensation, with entry-level therapists earning around $38.78 per hour and experienced professionals in specialized settings potentially reaching $66.04 per hour. These figures are drawn from 2026 estimates based on data from 2025 BLS, reflecting the evolving pay scales in this important healthcare sector.
About the Lawrence 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) | $38.78 | $310.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.57 | $340.58 |
| Median (P50) | $50.33 | $402.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.57 | $484.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.04 | $528.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $50.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.33/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,683 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,394. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,013.13 | $8,724 | $104,683 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,207.88 | $5,234 | $62,810 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $805.25 | $3,489 | $41,873 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Lawrence) | $50.33 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $104,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.57% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,373.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.33/hr = $62,810/year (purchasing power: $57,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,683/year (purchasing power: $96,482).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Lawrence grew 14.9% from $42.75/hr (2019) to $49.12/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.57/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Lawrence
Earning potential for physical therapists in Lawrence varies significantly based on employment type and work arrangements. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings around $62,500, which provides a solid income but remains less than what full-time staff might accumulate. For those considering per diem positions, rates can fluctuate, with many billing between $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts may offer substantial weekly payments of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. While outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer stable employment at competitive rates, specialists in cash-pay settings for sports or orthopedic rehabilitation may charge patients $150 to $250 per hour. This difference highlights the trade-offs therapists face when weighing benefits such as health insurance against potentially higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. When negotiating pay, professionals should emphasize their unique skills and experience, and consider local trends and rates to ensure they secure a competitive physical therapist hourly rate in MA.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Lawrence?
Are physical therapists in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Lawrence?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. 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 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