Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Needham, MA: $50.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Needham, MA runs $50.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Needham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Needham, Massachusetts, the projected physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $50.71, marginally above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate offers enticing opportunities for both part-time and per-diem employment within various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation units, and sports performance centers. For those seeking flexible work schedules, a three-day workweek could yield a solid income while allowing for a balanced lifestyle. The hourly range for physical therapists in Needham varies from approximately $38.37 at the entry-level to $63.99 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specialties present in the market. This data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlights the potential for earning while accommodating different work preferences.
About the Needham 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) | $38.37 | $306.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.18 | $337.46 |
| Median (P50) | $50.71 | $405.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.79 | $470.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.99 | $511.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Needham
Based on $50.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.71/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Needham, MA can expect to earn approximately $105,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,849. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Needham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Needham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,028.30 | $8,789 | $105,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,216.98 | $5,274 | $63,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.32 | $3,516 | $42,189 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Needham) | $50.71 |
| 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 Needham, MA earn a median of $105,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.17% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,296.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.71/hr = $63,283/year (purchasing power: $58,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,472/year (purchasing power: $97,209).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Needham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Needham grew 14.9% from $43.07/hr (2019) to $49.49/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.95/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 Needham 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 Needham
Evaluating the earnings potential for part-time physical therapists in Needham reveals a nuanced picture. A professional working three days a week might bring in a substantial income, taking home about $64,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who can expect more robust annual figures through comprehensive schedules. The per diem physical therapist pay in Needham typically ranges between $50 to $75 per hour, with travelers capitalizing on contracts that provide $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including added stipends. These earning realities extend to various employment environments, from private outpatient orthopedic clinics to hospital rehabilitation facilities, impacting overall hourly rates. Often, therapists may find themselves navigating the trade-offs between higher rates without benefits and more stable positions that include health insurance. For those aiming to negotiate, being familiar with local market rates and articulating personal value in terms of productivity and clinical outcomes can be advantageous in discussions with employers across Needham.
More salary data for Needham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Needham 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 Needham. 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 Needham 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