Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $51.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Worcester, MA runs $51.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,343 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,807 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $51.13 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive rate lends itself well to both part-time and per-diem roles in various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation units, and home health visits. For physical therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate provides substantial earnings, topping the entry-level range of $40.25, while experienced professionals can command up to $61.84 per hour. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures, indicates a strong demand for physical therapists in Worcester, where they can find rewarding employment opportunities that support diverse lifestyles and work arrangements.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.25 | $321.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.81 | $374.51 |
| Median (P50) | $51.13 | $409.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.00 | $471.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.84 | $494.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $51.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.13/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $106,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,353. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,045.10 | $8,862 | $106,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,227.06 | $5,317 | $63,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $818.04 | $3,545 | $42,538 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Worcester) | $51.13 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $106,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.00% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,309.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.13/hr = $63,807/year (purchasing power: $62,237).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,345/year (purchasing power: $103,728).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Worcester grew 18.3% from $42.18/hr (2019) to $49.90/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.39/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
Evaluating the financial prospects for part-time physical therapists in Worcester reveals that working 24 hours a week can lead to an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time practitioners. For instance, a part-time physical therapist earning the typical hourly rate may bring in around $53,000 annually, quite a difference compared to full-time earners. Additionally, per diem physical therapists often see rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly compensation in the range of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Various employer types in the region, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, influence hourly pay rates significantly. While many physical therapists opt for roles with comprehensive health benefits at lower wages, others may pursue higher pay absent those benefits to match their personal financial goals. Negotiating effectively for hourly pay can be crucial; understanding the local market and emphasizing specializations, such as OCS or SCS, can enhance a therapist's value in this thriving field.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Worcester in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Worcester?
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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 Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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