Physical Therapist in Brockton, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Brockton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Brockton isn’t just the “City of Champions” because of Rocky Marciano; it’s a healthcare hub. For Physical Therapists, the numbers back that up. The median salary here is $103,179/year, which is a solid $3,469 above the national average of $99,710/year. On an hourly basis, you’re looking at $49.61/hour. With 209 jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 14%, the market is active and expanding faster than many parts of the country.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Brockton area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Brockton)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000 - $88,000	Often starts in outpatient clinics or large hospital systems.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	Specialization (ortho, neuro) or home health roles boost pay.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $125,000	Management, lead therapist, or niche specialties (pediatrics, pelvic health).
Expert/Management	$125,000+	Clinic director, corporate roles, or consulting.

When you compare Brockton to other Massachusetts cities, it strikes a unique balance. Boston’s median is higher (around $108,000), but the cost of living is drastically more severe. Worcester’s median is closer to $97,000, but the job market is slightly smaller. Brockton offers a strong salary-to-cost ratio. You’re paid nearly Boston-level wages without the Boston-level rent or parking headaches. It’s a pragmatic choice for therapists who want to work hard, earn well, and actually keep their paycheck.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what that $103,179 means in your pocket. In Massachusetts, you’re facing a state income tax of 5%, plus federal taxes and FICA. After a rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents, your take-home pay is likely around $75,000 - $78,000 annually, or about $6,250 - $6,500 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Brockton is $1,488/month. Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a Physical Therapist earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,598	Based on $103,179 annual salary
Estimated Take-Home	$6,400	After taxes & deductions (approx. 25.5% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,488	For a decent, safe area
Utilities & Internet	$200 - $250	Includes Eversource (electric/gas) & Comcast
Auto (Payment/Ins/Gas)	$450 - $600	Essential in Brockton; no real subway here
Groceries & Household	$500 - $600	Shop at Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, or local markets
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	Often covered by employer, but co-pays add up
Student Loan (if applicable)	$300 - $600	Varies widely; many PTs have graduate debt
Retirement/Discretionary	$1,000 - $1,500	401(k), savings, entertainment, dining out
Net Remaining	$1,062 - $1,462	After all essential and discretionary spending

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires planning. The median home price in Brockton is around $410,000 (as of 2023). With a 10% down payment ($41,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, PMI) would be roughly $2,800 - $3,100/month. This is more than double the average rent. However, many local therapists buy in nearby towns like Easton, West Bridgewater, or Whitman for more space and better school districts, with a 20-30 minute commute. It’s very doable on a dual-income household or with a few years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Brockton's Major Employers

Brockton’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market is robust, but competition can be tight for the best hospital roles.

1. Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital: The city’s primary acute-care facility. They have strong inpatient rehab, orthopedics, and outpatient PT clinics. Hiring is steady, and they’re a major employer of new grads. Insider Tip: They often partner with local PT programs for clinical rotations, so networking during school is key.
2. Good Samaritan Medical Center (in neighboring Brockton): Located just over the city line in Stoughton, it’s a major 300+ bed hospital with a significant rehab department. It’s part of the Steward Health Care system, which means hiring can be cyclical based on corporate strategy.
3. South Shore Health (in Weymouth): A 25-minute drive south. This is a top-tier employer with a renowned rehab institute. They attract therapists from all over the region. Commute is manageable via Routes 18/24.
4. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital (of New England, in Easton): A dedicated inpatient rehab facility (IRF). This is where you go for complex cases (stroke, spinal cord, TBI). The work is intense but highly rewarding. They often pay a premium for experience.
5. Major Outpatient Networks: Select Physical Therapy (part of Select Medical) and ATI Physical Therapy have multiple clinics in the area. They are the fastest route to employment for new grads, with structured mentorship. Expect a high-volume, productivity-driven environment.
6. Home Health Agencies: Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Brockton and Baystate Home Health are always hiring. This offers autonomy and a different pace. You’ll need a reliable car and good time management skills. Pay can be higher due to mileage reimbursement and productivity bonuses.
7. Brockton Public Schools & Senior Centers: While smaller, there are opportunities in school-based PT (pediatric) and geriatric settings at places like the Brockton Council on Aging.

Hiring Trends: There’s a growing demand for therapists with pelvic health and vestibular rehab certifications. Outpatient ortho remains the largest sector, but hospital-based and home health roles offer more stability. With the aging population in Plymouth County, geriatric and orthopedic specialties are a safe bet.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts licensure is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Physical Therapy (under the Division of Professional Licensure) oversees this.

Requirements:

1. Education: A CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. You must apply to the state board for authorization to sit for the exam.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Massachusetts requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam (open book). It covers state laws and regulations.
4. Background Check: A CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check is mandatory.
5. Application Fee: Approximately $200 for the initial license application.

Timeline & Costs:

• Step 1 (Post-Graduation): Your school sends your final transcripts to the Federation of State Physical Therapy Boards (FSPTB). This takes 2-4 weeks.
• Step 2 (Apply for NPTE): Apply to the MA board for exam authorization. This can take 4-8 weeks to be processed. Cost: ~$485 (NPTE exam fee).
• Step 3 (Take NPTE): Once authorized, you can schedule your exam. Plan for 1-2 months of study post-graduation.
• Step 4 (Jurisprudence & Licensure): After passing the NPTE, complete the jurisprudence exam and submit your full license application. This takes another 2-4 weeks.
• Total Time: From graduation to holding a license, expect 3-5 months. Start the process 60 days before graduation.
• Total Cost (Exam & Fees): ~$700-$800 (NPTE, state application, jurisprudence, background check).

Insider Tip: Apply for a temporary license if you have a job offer. MA allows this for new grads, letting you work under supervision while you complete the NPTE process.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Brockton is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. Where you live affects your daily life more than you think.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown/North Brockton	Urban, walkable to some shops. Close to Brockton Hospital. Can be noisy.	$1,350 - $1,550	New grads who want to minimize commute and be near the action.
East Side	More residential, single-family homes. Quieter, good access to Rt 24.	$1,450 - $1,650	Therapists looking to buy a starter home. Family-friendly.
West Side	Similar to East Side but closer to the commuter rail (Rt 140). More diverse.	$1,500 - $1,700	Those commuting to Boston or need the train. Good mix of apartments.
South Side (near Rt 18)	Commercial, near shopping plazas. Easy access to Good Samaritan & south towns.	$1,400 - $1,600	Convenience seekers who drive everywhere.
Whitman (adjacent town)	Suburban, quiet, excellent schools. 15-minute drive to Brockton hospitals.	$1,600 - $1,800	Established therapists or those with families seeking more space and better schools.

Insider Tip: If you work at South Shore Health or Encompass in Easton, living in the West Side or South Side of Brockton gives you a reverse commute (against traffic), cutting your drive time significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Physical Therapy in Massachusetts is a solid long-term career. The 10-year job growth of 14% is well above the national average for all occupations.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining board-certified specialties from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) can increase your earning potential by 10-20%. In the Brockton area, the most valued and in-demand specialties are Orthopaedics (OCS), Neurology (NCS), and Home Health (HHS). A Pelvic Health specialist is a rare and highly sought-after commodity.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from staff PT to Senior PT, then to Clinic Director or Outpatient Manager. Another lucrative path is Home Health Supervisor or Director of Rehab for a hospital system. Travel PT assignments in Massachusetts often pay $50-$60/hour plus stipends, which can be a short-term boost.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to the aging population and the prevalence of chronic conditions. However, the field is becoming more tech-integrated (telehealth, EMR). The therapists who will thrive are those who specialize and can manage a high volume of patients efficiently. The Brockton area, with its mix of urban and suburban patients, provides a diverse caseload that builds a very strong resume.

The Verdict: Is Brockton Right for You?

Here’s the straight talk from a local perspective.

Pros	Cons
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: You keep more of your paycheck than in Boston.	Traffic: Rt 24 and Rt 120 can be a nightmare during rush hour.
Robust Job Market: Multiple hospital systems, outpatient chains, and home health.	Limited "Prestige": Compared to Boston's top research hospitals.
No Need for a Car (but it helps): While a car is useful, Brockton has some walkable areas and bus routes.	Older Housing Stock: Many apartments and homes are older, which can mean higher utility bills.
Diverse Patient Population: From pediatric to geriatric, you’ll see it all.	Property Taxes: While lower than Boston, they’re not the lowest in the state.
Gateway to the Cape & Providence: Easy weekend getaways.	Nightlife is Limited: Quieter than major cities; you’ll drive to Boston or Providence for big events.

Final Recommendation: Brockton is an excellent choice for the practical, career-focused Physical Therapist. If you value a high earning potential without the crushing cost of living, a diverse caseload, and a community that feels like a real city (not a suburb), you’ll thrive here. It’s not the glamorous choice, but it’s a smart one. If you’re looking for a cutting-edge research focus or a vibrant arts scene, look to Boston. For building a stable, rewarding career and life, Brockton is a hidden gem in Massachusetts.

FAQs

Q: Is Brockton safe for a single professional?
A: Like any city, it has its pockets. The East Side and West Side are generally considered safe and quiet for renters. It’s a working-class city, so standard city precautions apply (lock your car, be aware of your surroundings). It’s not a dangerous city, but it’s not a sterile suburb.

Q: How competitive are the hospital jobs at Signature or Good Samaritan?
A: Quite competitive, but not impossible. They prioritize candidates with clinical rotations in their facilities. Having a strong professional network (via the MA APTA chapter or local clinical instructors) is your biggest advantage. Apply early and often.

Q: Do I need to live in Brockton to work there?
A: No. Many therapists live in Abington, Rockland, Easton, or Stoughton and commute in. The key is balancing commute time with rent/mortgage costs. A 15-20 minute commute is very common and manageable.

Q: What’s the cost of living really like compared to the national average?
A: The Cost of Living Index is 111.6 (US avg = 100). This means it’s about 11.6% more expensive than the national average. However, your salary ($103,179) is 3.5% higher than the national average for PTs. This makes Brockton a financially smarter choice than many other Massachusetts cities.

Q: Are there opportunities for PTAs in Brockton?
A: Yes, but significantly fewer. PTAs are more common in home health and skilled nursing facilities. The salary is lower (median ~$65,000), and the job market is smaller. Most employers prefer to hire PTs directly for full-time roles.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Physical Therapy.
• U.S. Census Bureau (Population & Rent Data).
• Local employer job postings and industry reports (2023-2024).