Physical Therapist Salary in Cambridge, MA: $103,563 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Cambridge, MA earns a median $103,563/year (≈ $49.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $95,450 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reflect the city's competitive healthcare landscape, emphasizing the differences in pay across settings. With a median annual salary of $103,563, physical therapists here earn slightly less than the national median of $105,288. Local estimates, sourced from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reveal a salary range that spans from $73,808 at the 10th percentile to $136,698 at the 90th percentile. This pay variation often stems from the structural choices of employers, with outpatient chains like ATI and Athletico generally offering lower initial compensation compared to hospital systems. However, these settings can provide bonuses based on productivity, enticing many professionals in a market where demand remains robust.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,808 | $35.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,384 | $40.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,563 | $49.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,464 | $58.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,698 | $65.72 |
Median Salary Position
1.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,890 (2026 est.). At $103,563, the local median is 1.64% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $103,563/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $107,320 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.64% less |
Physical Therapists in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $103,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.64% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,563 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,450 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,975
2025 BLS Actual
$101,077
2026 Current Est.
$103,563
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,563 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,111 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,975 (2019) to $101,077 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,111 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,136 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $73,808 – $83,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,384 – $103,563 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,563 – $122,464 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,464 – $136,698 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Cambridge
Considering the local job market, Cambridge currently employs 22 physical therapists, a figure that indicates a stable but modest demand within the area. The cost of living index, at 108.5, signifies that living expenses are above the national average, impacting take-home pay and purchasing power significantly for these professionals. Among the primary employers, hospital inpatient rehab facilities tend to compensate more generously compared to outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities. The wage differential is influenced by factors such as productivity expectations, board certification stipends, and the business model (cash-pay vs. insurance). To maximize earnings, physical therapists in Cambridge can pursue specialization, such as the OCS or SCS, and consider opportunities with travel PT agencies or clinics that offer equity arrangements. This nuanced understanding of pay structures can greatly enhance income potential in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Cambridge, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Cambridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Cambridge?
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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 $101,077 for physical therapistsin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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