Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $50.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Methuen, MA runs $50.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,832 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Methuen, Massachusetts, the median hourly rate for physical therapists stands at $50.88, slightly surpassing the national median of $50.62. This rate is particularly conducive for those considering part-time work, as physical therapists typically operate in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For example, a physical therapist working three days a week could expect to earn a substantial income while enjoying a flexible schedule. Entry-level professionals might begin at an hourly rate of around $40.03, while those with more experience or specialization could earn as much as $67.72 per hour, allowing for a wide income range within the profession.
About the Methuen 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) | $40.03 | $320.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.70 | $349.59 |
| Median (P50) | $50.88 | $407.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.81 | $486.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.72 | $541.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $50.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.88/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $105,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,058. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,035.27 | $8,819 | $105,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,221.16 | $5,292 | $63,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $814.11 | $3,528 | $42,334 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Methuen) | $50.88 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $105,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,335.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.88/hr = $63,500/year (purchasing power: $58,526).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,834/year (purchasing power: $97,543).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Methuen grew 14.9% from $43.22/hr (2019) to $49.66/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.13/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
For part-time physical therapists in Methuen, working 24 hours a week may translate to an annual take-home pay of approximately $63,000, a substantial difference compared to full-time counterparts making $105,832. Per diem physical therapy positions tend to range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, often including stipends that enhance overall compensation. Different employer types significantly influence hourly rates; while outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico may offer lower hourly wages due to their productivity pressures, hospital systems often compensate better, albeit with varying expectations for productivity. Physical therapists must navigate these options carefully, weighing the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher rates without benefits. When negotiating, it’s prudent for therapists in Methuen to consider not just the hourly pay but also the full package of benefits offered by employers, as this can greatly impact overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Methuen?
Are physical therapists in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Methuen?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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