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Physical Therapist Salary in Boston, MA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Boston's cost of living (index: 162). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Boston β€” Key Numbers

$161,530
Median Salary
$131,787
25th Percentile
$192,472
75th Percentile
$225,099
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+62.0%
Boston median household income$89,400
vs. City household income+80.7%

Cost of Living in Boston

Cost of Living Index
162(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$2,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.4%
Annual rent cost$33,000
Median Home Price$680,000
Home Price / Salary4.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$136,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Boston

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
4,920,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
32.6
Median Age

Boston has a metro population of 4,920,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Physical Therapist Salary β€” Other Massachusetts Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Boston, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Boston is $161,530 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Boston's cost of living index (162). The typical salary range runs from $131,787 (25th percentile) to $192,472 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $225,099.

Is Boston affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $161,530 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Boston would spend approximately 20.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($2,750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Boston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $680,000 is 4.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Boston's overall income?

Boston's median household income is $89,400. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $161,530 earns 80.7% more than the typical Boston household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.