Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Peabody, MA: $51.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Peabody, MA runs $51.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Peabody's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,472 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Peabody, Massachusetts, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $51.66 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate provides lucrative opportunities for both full-time positions and part-time or per-diem work within various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. For those seeking flexible arrangements, part-time therapists working three days a week can earn substantial income, with entry-level positions starting near $37.82 per hour, escalating up to $70.33 per hour for experienced professionals. These rates are reflective of wider industry standards, derived from estimated annual salaries, and illustrate a promising financial outlook for job seekers in this field.
About the Peabody 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) | $37.82 | $302.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.17 | $353.36 |
| Median (P50) | $51.66 | $413.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.63 | $477.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.33 | $562.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peabody
Based on $51.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.66/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peabody, MA can expect to earn approximately $107,453 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,992. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Peabody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peabody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,066.41 | $8,954 | $107,453 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,239.85 | $5,373 | $64,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $826.57 | $3,582 | $42,981 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Peabody) | $51.66 |
| 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 Peabody, MA earn a median of $107,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $107,345.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.66/hr = $64,472/year (purchasing power: $59,421).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,453/year (purchasing power: $99,035).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Peabody grew 14.9% from $43.88/hr (2019) to $50.42/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.93/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 Peabody 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 Peabody
When considering your earning potential in 2026, a physical therapist in Peabody working part-time for 24 hours each week would bring home an annual salary significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still represents a viable option for those prioritizing work-life balance. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists might command hourly rates ranging from $50 to $75 while enjoying greater flexibility and autonomy over their schedules. Travel contracts often pay robust weekly stipends, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, depending on location and demand. In Peabody, hourly rates can differ based on employer types: outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer enticing bonuses but generally pay less than hospital systems, which often come with added benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the trade-offs between positions with lower hourly rates but comprehensive benefits compared to higher pay that lacks insurance can be vital. Awareness of local industry practices and networking can enhance negotiation outcomes, especially in a market influenced by changing reimbursement policies and practice trends.
More salary data for Peabody, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Peabody in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Peabody?
Are physical therapists in Peabody paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Peabody?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Peabody?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Peabody. 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 Peabody 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