Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $52.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in New Bedford, MA runs $52.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, the physical therapist hourly pay reaches a median rate of $52.00, which surpasses the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate is particularly relevant for part-time physical therapists working three days a week, allowing them to earn a meaningful income while enjoying a flexible schedule. Those working in diverse environments such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings can find a wide range of compensation. The hourly wage varies from $40.29 at the lower end of the spectrum to $67.52 for top earners, illustrating the potential for salary growth as clinicians gain experience and potentially pursue advanced specialties recognized by the APTA.
About the New Bedford 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) | $40.29 | $322.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.31 | $354.51 |
| Median (P50) | $52.00 | $415.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.83 | $486.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.52 | $540.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $52.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.00/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $108,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,398. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,079.94 | $9,013 | $108,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,247.96 | $5,408 | $64,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $831.98 | $3,605 | $43,263 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (New Bedford) | $52.00 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $108,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $107,396.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.00/hr = $64,894/year (purchasing power: $59,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,157/year (purchasing power: $99,684).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+7.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in New Bedford grew 2.8% from $49.39/hr (2019) to $50.75/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.28/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
The financial prospects for part-time physical therapists in New Bedford can be significant. A therapist working 24 hours a week might take home around $57,024 annually, which can be supplemented by per diem opportunities. Per diem physical therapist pay in New Bedford typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, and those taking on travel contracts can see weekly compensation of approximately $1,800 to $2,800, including bonuses and stipends. While outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates, they often provide benefits like health insurance, which some therapists may prioritize over slightly higher pay without benefits when considering their overall job satisfaction and work-life balance. Moreover, negotiating hourly rates effectively requires an understanding of local market conditions and the value of specialized skills, as practices continously evaluate how to balance productivity with patient care.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in New Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in New Bedford?
Are physical therapists in New Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in New Bedford?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in New Bedford?
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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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