Physical Therapist in Lawrence, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

As a local looking at the numbers for Physical Therapists (PTs) in Lawrence, the picture is surprisingly robust, especially when you stack it against the national landscape. You're not in Boston's orbit for pay, but you're also not paying Boston's rent, which is a critical balance.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Lawrence is $103,179/year. That translates to a solid hourly rate of $49.61/hour. When you compare this to the national average of $99,710/year, Lawrence comes out ahead by a meaningful margin. This local premium is largely due to the high demand for healthcare services in the Merrimack Valley, coupled with a cost of living that, while elevated, doesn't reach the extremes of greater Boston.

Breaking it down by experience, here’s how the local market typically structures pay:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Lawrence, MA)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$85,000 - $95,000	Direct patient care under supervision, documentation, basic treatment plans.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	Independent caseload management, specialized treatments, mentoring juniors.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $125,000	Clinical leadership, program development, advanced certifications, complex cases.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$125,000+	Director-level roles, teaching, research, opening a private practice.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Lawrence holds a distinct position. It doesn't match the top-tier salaries of Cambridge or Boston proper, where you might see medians closer to $115k+, but it significantly outperforms western MA cities like Springfield or Pittsfield. For a PT considering quality of life and manageable living costs, Lawrence presents a compelling middle ground.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning the median salary of $103,179 in Massachusetts means you're in a high-tax state, but the take-home is still healthy. After federal, state, FICA, and potential local taxes, your estimated monthly take-home pay is likely in the $5,800 - $6,100 range.

Now, let's layer in the rent. The average 1BR rent in Lawrence is $1,483/month. This is a realistic figure for a decent apartment in a safe, walkable neighborhood (more on that below).

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a mid-career PT:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay (Est.)	$5,900	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,483	Average for the city.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$180	Older buildings can be less efficient.
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	MA has high insurance rates. Essential for commuting.
Groceries	$400
Student Loans (Avg. PT)	$500	A significant factor for new grads.
Retirement/401k (10% of gross)	$860	Highly recommended for long-term growth.
Discretionary & Misc.	$877	Entertainment, dining, clothes, savings.
Total Expenses	$5,880	Leaves minimal buffer but is manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but likely not immediately as a single-income household. The median home price in Lawrence hovers around $450,000-$500,000. With a 20% down payment, you're looking at a mortgage of ~$360k. At current interest rates, monthly payments (including taxes/insurance) could exceed $2,500. For a single PT, this would be a stretch on a $103k salary. However, with a dual-income household or after several years of saving and salary advancement into the $115k-$125k range, homeownership in Lawrence becomes very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Lawrence is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, community health centers, and private outpatient clinics. The total jobs in the metro area for PTs is 176, with a 10-year job growth of 14%, which is stronger than the national average for the profession.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Lawrence General Hospital: This is the city's largest employer and your primary source for acute care and inpatient rehab opportunities. They have a dedicated Rehabilitation Services department. Hiring trends show a steady need for PTs in post-surgical, neuro, and cardiopulmonary units. They often have openings for new grads through their residency-style programs.

2. Merrimack Valley Hospital (Haverhill): While technically just north of Lawrence, it's a key part of the local job ecosystem. It's part of the Steward Health Care system. They focus heavily on orthopedics, sports medicine, and outpatient PT. It's a common destination for PTs who prefer a smaller hospital setting than Lawrence General.

3. Community Healthlink (CHL): A major Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a strong presence in Lawrence. They offer integrated behavioral and physical health services. PT roles here are often in outpatient settings, serving a diverse, often underserved population. It's a great place for PTs passionate about community health and social determinants of health.

4. Integrity Rehab (Outpatient Private Practice): A well-regarded local private practice with multiple locations in the Merrimack Valley, including nearby Andover. They specialize in orthopedics and sports rehab and are known for investing in continuing education for their PTs. Hiring trends favor PTs with OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or similar certifications.

5. Select Physical Therapy (Andover Location): Part of a national chain, this clinic is a 15-minute drive from downtown Lawrence. It offers a structured career path, mentorship, and access to company-wide resources. For PTs seeking the stability and benefits of a large corporation, this is a prime target.

6. The Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (Burlington): A 30-40 minute commute, but it's a premier academic medical center. For PTs seeking the most complex cases, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a teaching environment (affiliated with Tufts University), Lahey is worth the commute. They have renowned outpatient and inpatient rehab programs.

7. Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley: This non-profit often employs PTs for home health positions. This career path offers autonomy and the ability to see patients in their home environment. It's a growing segment, especially with an aging population in the region.

Getting Licensed in MA

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Physical Therapy (under the Division of Professional Licensure) governs the process. It's straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Massachusetts Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, available online).
4. Background Check: Complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Fee (FSBPT): ~$500
• MA Jurisprudence Exam: ~$100
• Initial License Application Fee: ~$200
• Total (excluding education): Approx. $800

The timeline can be as quick as 2-3 months if you're already licensed in another state (via the PT Compact) or up to 6-9 months for a first-time applicant. Insider Tip: Start your MA jurisprudence study while you're waiting for your NPTE results. The exam is based on MA statutes (M.G.L. c. 112) and the Board's rules (201 CMR 5.00). The Board's website has a study guide—use it.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Commuting in Lawrence is manageable, but your neighborhood choice impacts your daily life and budget.

1. Downtown Lawrence: The most walkable area. You're close to the Lawrence General Hospital, the train station (for Boston access), and restaurants. Rent for a 1BR can be $1,300 - $1,600. Ideal for those who want to minimize driving. Insider Tip: The area around Essex Street has seen revitalization but check specific blocks for daytime activity and nightlife noise.

2. South Lawrence (Near the Methuen Line): Quieter, more residential. This is where many young professionals and first-time homebuyers look. Rent is slightly lower, around $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Commute to Lawrence General is easy via car or the #51 bus. Good access to 93 for jobs in Andover.

3. The "Tower Hill" Area (North of the River): A classic, established neighborhood with single-family homes and some apartment complexes. It's about a 5-10 minute drive from the main hospitals. Rent is similar to South Lawrence. Good for those who want a bit more space and a suburban feel without leaving the city limits.

4. Near the State Street/Traffic Circle (I-93 Access): This is ideal for commuters who will be driving to Haverhill, Andover, or even Burlington. You get quick highway access. 1BR rents average $1,400 - $1,700. The buildings are often newer, but you're more car-dependent.

5. Andover (Adjacent Town): If your budget allows, living in Andover (just 10 minutes from Lawrence) offers better schools, more green space, and a classic New England town vibe. Rent is higher ($1,600 - $2,000+ for a 1BR), but it's a common choice for PTs who land jobs at the Andover Select Physical Therapy or who want a quieter home base. The commute is trivial.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawrence, the 14% job growth projection means you won't be stuck in one role. The path to advancement is clear but requires proactive effort.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a direct salary bump, obtaining a board certification signals expertise and leads to higher-paying roles. In this market, an OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist) can open doors to private practices like Integrity Rehab with salaries pushing into the $115k+ range. The GCS (Geriatric Clinical Specialist) is valuable for roles with Elder Services or in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which are prevalent in the area.

• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder goes from Staff PT -> Senior PT -> Clinical Supervisor -> Director of Rehab Services. The jump to Director-level roles at a hospital or large SNF can command $130,000-$150,000+. Another lucrative path is specializing in home health (where pay is often productivity-based and can exceed hospital salaries) or opening your own cash-based wellness clinic in a suburb like Andover or North Andover, targeting the affluent demographic.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand is solid, driven by the aging population and the prevalence of chronic conditions. The growth is particularly strong in outpatient orthopedics, home health, and sub-acute rehab. Insider Tip: Build relationships with local physicians and surgeons early. A strong referral network is worth its weight in gold, especially if you ever consider private practice.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to national average and cost of living.	High state income and sales taxes.
Strong, growing job market with diverse employers (hospital, FQHC, private practice).	Limited "prestigious" hospital systems compared to Boston; may require a commute for top-tier research/teaching roles.
Manageable cost of living (especially rent vs. Boston).	Urban challenges in parts of the city; requires research to find the right neighborhood.
True four-season climate with access to mountains, coasts, and Boston.	Winters can be long and gray.
Central location in the Northeast corridor.	Traffic on I-93 and local arteries can be congested during peak hours.

Final Recommendation:
Lawrence is an excellent choice for a mid-career Physical Therapist seeking financial stability and a balanced lifestyle. It's particularly well-suited for PTs who value the "sweet spot" of urban convenience without Boston's extreme costs. It's a practical, data-driven market. For a new grad, it's a good launchpad with solid entry-level salaries and clear growth trajectories. For a family-oriented PT, the surrounding suburbs offer great value. If you're seeking the absolute pinnacle of academic medicine or a high-fashion urban vibe, you might look closer to Boston. But for a grounded, fulfilling career with a strong financial future, Lawrence, MA, is a compelling contender.

FAQs

Q: Is it easier to find a job in Lawrence or in Boston?
A: It's easier to find a job in Lawrence due to less competition. However, Boston has a larger number of jobs. The key difference is the candidate pool; you'll be competing with fewer applicants in Lawrence, which can give you more leverage in negotiations.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to work as a PT in Lawrence?
A: While not a mandatory requirement, it is a major asset. Lawrence has a large, vibrant Spanish-speaking community. Being bilingual will make you a more attractive candidate to employers like Community Healthlink and Lawrence General, and will significantly enhance your patient care.

Q: What's the commute like from Lawrence to a Boston hospital?
A: It's doable but not pleasant. Driving is 35-60+ minutes each way, depending on traffic, and parking is expensive. The Commuter Rail from Lawrence to North Station takes about 45 minutes, then you'd need subway/bus. For a PT job in Boston, you'd likely need to budget 2 hours total for commuting.

Q: Can I live in Lawrence without a car?
A: It's challenging. While downtown is walkable and there's decent bus service (the MBTA's 51 and 52 routes connect to Haverhill/Andover), most clinical jobs require some travel between facilities or to suburbs. A car is considered essential for professional flexibility.

Q: What's the best way to network with other PTs in the area?
A: Join the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (MAPTA). They have regular events, conferences, and online forums. Also, consider attending meetings of the Massachusetts Society of Physical Therapy (MSPT). Many of your future colleagues and employers are active in these organizations.