Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $49.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Wellesley, MA runs $49.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wellesley, Massachusetts, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $49.03 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This compensation level can provide a lucrative opportunity for part-time therapists working three days a week, as well as per-diem specialists, who often find employment across a variety of settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitative units, and sports medicine facilities. The hourly rates for physical therapists in Wellesley can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $38.48 and top earners reaching up to $63.47. Given these figures, it's important to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the broader economic conditions in the area.
About the Wellesley 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) | $38.48 | $307.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.76 | $334.10 |
| Median (P50) | $49.03 | $392.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.86 | $462.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.47 | $507.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $49.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.03/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $101,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,833. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,961.08 | $8,498 | $101,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.65 | $5,099 | $61,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.43 | $3,399 | $40,791 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Wellesley) | $49.03 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $101,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.14% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,349.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.03/hr = $61,186/year (purchasing power: $56,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,976/year (purchasing power: $93,987).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Wellesley grew 14.9% from $41.65/hr (2019) to $47.85/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.23/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
When considering the earning potential, part-time physical therapists in Wellesley who work 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $61,894 annually. In contrast, full-time therapists will see a more substantial income, though the trade-offs can vary based on employment type. Per-diem physical therapists may charge between $50 and $75 an hour, and in some cases, travel contracts can yield as much as $2,800 per week. Working in outpatient clinics often leads to slightly lower hourly rates, while hospital settings may offer better benefits. Therapists face a choice: to accept a lower hourly rate for guaranteed health insurance or a higher rate without additional benefits. Negotiation plays a key role in these decisions; professionals are encouraged to understand local market rates and consider their unique situation, including how their specialties align with local demand for services in Wellesley, MA.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Wellesley in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Wellesley?
Are physical therapists in Wellesley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Wellesley?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wellesley?
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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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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