Physical Therapist Salary in Amherst, MA: $106,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Amherst, MA earns a median $106,372/year (≈ $51.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $98,039 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Amherst, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $106,372 in 2026, reflecting a modest increase over national averages. The salary range for this role spans from $78,917 at the 10th percentile to $132,581 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive job market bolstered by the growing demand for specialized physical therapy services. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost distinctions, which is significant given Amherst's cost of living index of 108.5, suggesting that professionals here will need to earn more to maintain a similar standard of living compared to the broader national context. This aligns with trends where cash-pay models in sports and orthopedic specialties can drive top-end salaries, providing a lucrative career pathway for those in the field.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,917 | $37.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,714 | $45.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,372 | $51.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,090 | $58.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,581 | $63.74 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,664 (2026 est.). At $106,372, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $105,288.
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How Amherst Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Amherst median: $106,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $107,338 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +1.03% more |
Physical Therapists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $106,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,372 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,039 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,361
2025 BLS Actual
$103,818
2026 Current Est.
$106,372
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,737 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,514 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,989 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $90,361 (2019) to $103,818 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,989 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,628 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,917 – $93,714 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,714 – $106,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,372 – $122,090 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,090 – $132,581 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Amherst
The local job market for physical therapists includes only six practitioners, which may limit competition but also suggests a tight-knit community where networking can improve job prospects. While outpatient orthopedic clinics often pay competitive rates, inpatient rehab facilities and skilled nursing facilities may offer higher salaries, influenced by their ability to provide varied rehabilitation services. Additionally, the disparity in salaries often stems from factors such as expected productivity levels, experience with advanced certifications like OCS or SCS, and whether one practices in a cash-pay setting versus traditional insurance-based models. Prospective physical therapists in Amherst, MA, should consider specializing in high-demand areas and pursuing additional credentials to enhance their marketability. Understanding the dynamics of local employers and the cost-of-living implications can be crucial for maximizing physical therapist pay in Amherst.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $103,818 for physical therapistsin the Amherst metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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