Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $52.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Somerville, MA runs $52.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,290 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical therapists in Somerville, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $52.32, which is notably higher than the national median of $50.62. This premium hourly pay reflects the competitive job market in the area and allows for lucrative opportunities, especially for part-time therapists working three days a week. Those choosing per-diem work can benefit from flexible schedules while earning rates that align closely with the industry's expectations. Hourly wages in Somerville range from $39.37 at the entry-level to $67.46 for top earners, providing a solid income spectrum. Such numbers are derived from annual salary data, illuminating the financial potential for new graduates as well as seasoned professionals in diverse settings—outpatient clinics, schools, and skilled nursing facilities.
About the Somerville 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) | $39.37 | $314.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.55 | $348.36 |
| Median (P50) | $52.32 | $418.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.11 | $488.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.46 | $539.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $52.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.32/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $108,817 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,779. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,092.64 | $9,068 | $108,817 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,255.59 | $5,441 | $65,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $837.06 | $3,627 | $43,527 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Somerville) | $52.32 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $108,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.35% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $107,309.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.32/hr = $65,290/year (purchasing power: $60,176).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,817/year (purchasing power: $100,293).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Somerville grew 14.9% from $44.44/hr (2019) to $51.06/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.60/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Focusing on the part-time earning potential, a physical therapist working 24 hours a week could realistically bring home around $55,000 annually, considering variables in their individual work arrangements and the specific settings they serve. Per diem physical therapist pay in Somerville often sees professionals billing between $50 and $75 per hour, though travel PT contracts can elevate earnings to as much as $2,800 per week. Additionally, roles in outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different hourly rates, often influenced by productivity benchmarks and benefits packages. Therapists might trade lower hourly wages for comprehensive health insurance or opt for higher rates without benefits, creating a balancing act between immediate cash flow and job security. Ultimately, negotiation strategies can be beneficial; physical therapists should weigh their priorities and market demand when discussing compensation to maximize their hourly pay in Somerville.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Somerville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Somerville?
Are physical therapists in Somerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Somerville?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Somerville?
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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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