Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Massachusetts employs 2,640 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $79,460 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $79,460 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $62,030
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,640
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $88,280
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 2,640
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $65,510 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Massachusetts markets:
- Boston
- $80,430 (1,860 employed)
- Cape Cod
- $79,790 (90 employed)
- Worcester
- $76,900 (310 employed)
- Springfield
- $73,930 (180 employed)
- Providence
- $72,150 (630 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,460 median is worth closer to $75,104 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)
Massachusetts is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +18.5%, slower than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 410 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions.
- Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program at Berkshire Community College, Bristol Community College, or Massasoit Community College.
- Pass the NPTE-PTA through FSBPT.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions for licensure. Renew every two years.
Official requirements: Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions →
Training in Massachusetts
Greater Boston's large healthcare system, including academic medical centers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, and SNFs, creates consistent PTA demand. Massachusetts' high cost of living translates to higher PTA wages than many states — median pay is well above the national average. Spaulding Rehabilitation Network (part of Mass General Brigham) is a major PTA employer.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:
- Berkshire Community College — Associate
- Bristol Community College — Associate
- Bunker Hill Community College — Associate
- Fisher College — Associate
Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Massachusetts
Real Massachusetts outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:
- Carlton-Willard Village Outpatient — Bedford
- Boston University Rehabilitation Services — Boston
- Select Physical Therapy — Concord
- Linden Ponds Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic — Hingham
- Sundance Rehabilitation Agency of Massachusetts — Holyoke
- Select Rehabilitation LLC — Needham
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.
Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.
Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
First Steps
Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Massachusetts?
The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Massachusetts is $79,460 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,030, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $88,280. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts?
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions. Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program at Berkshire Community College, Bristol Community College, or Massasoit Community College.
Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Massachusetts?
Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
Which Massachusetts metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $80,430, followed by Cape Cod ($79,790), Worcester ($76,900). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts?
Real Massachusetts options include Berkshire Community College, Bristol Community College, Bunker Hill Community College. Most physical therapist assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +18.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 410 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professions (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.