Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $50.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Waltham, MA runs $50.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, physical therapists can expect an hourly median rate of $50.22, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate allows part-time professionals working three days a week to earn a significant income, particularly when working in popular settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The hourly pay for physical therapists in this area ranges from $38.51 for entry-level positions to $65.68 for experienced or specialized practitioners. These estimates reflect a projection based on 2025 BLS data, providing valuable insight into the compensation landscape for physical therapist hourly pay in Waltham.
About the Waltham 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) | $38.51 | $308.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.35 | $338.77 |
| Median (P50) | $50.22 | $401.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.31 | $482.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.68 | $525.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $50.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.22/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $104,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,259. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.63 | $8,704 | $104,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.18 | $5,222 | $62,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.45 | $3,482 | $41,779 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Waltham) | $50.22 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $104,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.79% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,358.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.22/hr = $62,669/year (purchasing power: $57,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,449/year (purchasing power: $96,266).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Waltham grew 14.9% from $42.66/hr (2019) to $49.01/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.45/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
For those pursuing part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week can yield a solid income, although it may be less than what full-time therapists earn. Per diem physical therapists can expect a different compensation structure, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel PT contracts potentially resulting in earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 per week, including stipends. In Waltham, the hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive rates, while hospital inpatient rehabilitation might provide additional benefits. Many physical therapists face the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding market wages and being prepared to discuss the value of their expertise—especially in specialty areas—will be crucial for achieving favorable terms.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Waltham?
Are physical therapists in Waltham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Waltham?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Waltham?
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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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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