Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $50.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Medford, MA runs $50.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Massachusetts, the projected median physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $50.99, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This competitive pay provides favorable opportunities for part-time therapists, who may work around three days a week in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics and home health visits. In this profession, hourly earnings range from $40.31 for entry-level positions up to $68.11 for top earners. These figures highlight the flexibility of physical therapy work schedules and the potential for high earnings based on experience and specialized skills, which are crucial in various therapeutic environments—including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and sports performance centers.
About the Medford 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) | $40.31 | $322.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.93 | $351.48 |
| Median (P50) | $50.99 | $407.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.15 | $473.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.11 | $544.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $50.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.99/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $106,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,193. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,039.77 | $8,839 | $106,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,223.86 | $5,303 | $63,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.91 | $3,536 | $42,427 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Medford) | $50.99 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $106,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,362.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.99/hr = $63,641/year (purchasing power: $58,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,068/year (purchasing power: $97,759).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Medford grew 14.9% from $43.32/hr (2019) to $49.77/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.25/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 Medford 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 Medford
Examining the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working a 24-hour week can anticipate an annual income of approximately $50,000, compared to full-time colleagues who would earn significantly more. Per diem physical therapists in Medford often invoice between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel contracts enhance earnings, offering weekly payments of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Different employer types influence hourly rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally providing lower pay compared to hospital systems, which might offer more comprehensive benefits. Therapists working in cash-pay settings may charge clients directly at rates of $150-$250 per hour, reflecting the trend among specialists in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) areas. As such, negotiations become essential; therapists must weigh the benefits of stable employment against the allure of higher hourly wages in less secure positions. Understanding the nuances of physical therapist hourly pay in Medford—factoring in healthcare insurance, contract work, and productivity expectations—can guide individuals in making informed career decisions.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Medford in 2026?
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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 Medford. 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 Medford 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