Physical Therapist Salary in Worcester, MA: $106,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Worcester, MA earns a median $106,343/year (≈ $51.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Worcester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $103,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Worcester, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $106,343, slightly above the national figure of $105,288. The salary range for this occupation in the city spans from $83,700 at the 10th percentile to $128,639 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, which reflect not only the salaries but also the employment dynamics within the area. Given that Worcester's healthcare system includes a mix of outpatient clinics, hospital settings, and skilled nursing facilities, the varying pay structures across these environments highlight the implications of structural choices for physical therapist salary in Worcester.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,700 | $40.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,368 | $46.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,343 | $51.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,716 | $59.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,639 | $61.84 |
Median Salary Position
1.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Worcester
In Worcester, MA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,939 (2026 est.). At $106,343, the local median is 1% above the national median of $105,288.
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How Worcester Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Worcester median: $106,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Worcester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $107,309 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +1.00% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Worcester has a cost of living 2.52% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Worcester, MA has a cost-of-living index of 102.523 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,343 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,726 — a 2.46% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,730
2025 BLS Actual
$103,790
2026 Current Est.
$106,343
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Worcester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 18.3% from $87,730 (2019) to $103,790 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,229 (24.20%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $83,700 – $97,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,368 – $106,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,343 – $122,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,716 – $128,639 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Worcester
The strong local job market, with around 750 physical therapists employed in the area, is a testament to the demand for this profession. However, the cost-of-living index of 102.523 suggests that take-home pay may be stretched, especially in comparison to other regions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly larger chains, may offer competitive salaries but often have stringent productivity expectations that influence earnings. Meanwhile, hospital systems can provide higher salaries but might require board certifications like OCS or SCS for elevated pay scales. Factors such as expected patient loads and reimbursement rates—pressured by CMS—contribute to the significant variance in earnings. For those looking to maximize physical therapist pay in Worcester MA, targeting specialized roles or exploring cash-pay models can be effective strategies in navigating the local compensation climate.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Worcester, MA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K 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
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 $103,790 for physical therapistsin the Worcester 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
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