Physical Therapist Salary in Chelsea, MA: $106,364 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Chelsea, MA earns a median $106,364/year (≈ $51.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $98,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Chelsea is projected to be $106,364 annually, slightly above the national median of $105,288, reflecting a strong local market for this profession. Salaries for physical therapists in the area can range from $81,984 at the lower end (P10) to $132,290 for the top earners (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost disparities, indicate the distinct financial opportunities in Chelsea for professionals within this healthcare field. Moreover, with rising productivity expectations often linked to visit numbers per day, this competitive salary landscape can potentially offset the pressures therapists face in meeting clinical benchmarks.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,984 | $39.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,581 | $43.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,364 | $51.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,151 | $58.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,290 | $63.60 |
Median Salary Position
1.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,306 (2026 est.). At $106,364, the local median is 1.02% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $106,364/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $107,330 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +1.02% more |
Physical Therapists in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $106,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.02% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $107,330.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,364 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,031 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,354
2025 BLS Actual
$103,810
2026 Current Est.
$106,364
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,597 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,729 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,364 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,980 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $90,354 (2019) to $103,810 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,980 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,626 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $81,984 – $89,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,581 – $106,364 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,364 – $122,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,151 – $132,290 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Chelsea
As of now, there are six physical therapists working in Chelsea, which suggests a niche market that offers varying degrees of compensation based on specialized practices and employer types. Given the local cost-of-living index of 108.5, therapists should consider how housing and other living expenses will impact their take-home pay. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly larger chains like Athletico and ATI, typically offer competitive rates, but hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers may provide higher pay due to the different productivity models they employ. Factors such as overtime, specialty certifications like OCS or SCS, and the choice between cash-pay or insurance practices can significantly influence potential earnings. To maximize pay in Chelsea, physical therapists should target facilities known for better compensation packages, consider acquiring further specialties, and evaluate their productivity reports to align with employer expectations.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Chelsea, MA in 2026?
Is Chelsea, MA a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Chelsea?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Chelsea?
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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 $103,810 for physical therapistsin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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