Skip to content
Ava Health

Healthcare Resource

How to Get a Physical Therapist License in Massachusetts (2026)

Ava Health Team
6 min read

In brief

Physical Therapist licensure in Massachusetts 2026: non-Compact state, Massachusetts Board endorsement process, and 2026 compensation benchmarks for Boston.

Steps at a glance

  1. Note: Massachusetts is not a PT Compact member

    Massachusetts has not joined the PT Compact. All PTs must complete full endorsement through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professions (BORAHP). Expect 10-12 weeks.

  2. Submit NPTE verification

    Request FSBPT send NPTE scores to the Massachusetts BORAHP. Minimum score 600.

  3. Submit endorsement application and fees

    Apply via the Massachusetts licensure portal. Application fee approximately $131. Include license verifications from all prior states.

  4. Background check

    Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check required. Results typically 2-3 weeks.

  5. License issuance

    Processing typically 10-12 weeks. Apply early, Boston travel PT assignments require planning given the non-Compact status.

In this article
  1. Massachusetts PT license at a glance
  2. Massachusetts PT compensation 2026
  3. Where PT demand is highest in Massachusetts
  4. Bottom line

Massachusetts is not a PT Compact member, requiring 10-12 weeks for full endorsement through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professions (BORAHP). Despite the wait, Boston is one of the most desirable and highly compensated PT markets in the nation, Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Children's, and Boston Medical Center represent world-class clinical environments with strong PT programs.

Massachusetts PT license at a glance

  • Issuing board: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professions (BORAHP)
  • PT Compact member: No, full endorsement required
  • Endorsement processing: 10-12 weeks
  • Application fee: ~$131
  • Jurisprudence exam: Not separately required

Massachusetts PT compensation 2026

SettingMedian BaseSign-On Range
Academic hospital (MGH / BIDMC / Boston Children's)$108,000$10,000-$22,000
Hospital / acute care (Boston)$100,000$8,000-$18,000
Outpatient clinic (metro Boston)$92,000$6,000-$15,000
SNF / sub-acute rehab$96,000$8,000-$16,000
Travel PT (13-week)$112,000 + housing stipend

Where PT demand is highest in Massachusetts

Boston metro: Mass General Brigham (MGH, BWH, Spaulding Rehab, largest academic system in New England), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Medical Center (Level I trauma, safety-net flagship). Worcester: UMass Memorial Health, Saint Vincent Hospital. Springfield / Western Mass: Baystate Health, growing secondary market. Cape Cod / Islands: Cape Cod Healthcare, seasonal premium with year-round positions.

Bottom line

Massachusetts requires 10-12 weeks to license, apply early. Boston compensation is among the top three nationally (after CA and WA). Mass General Brigham's Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is one of the most prestigious inpatient rehab PT environments in the world, attracting PTs for training and career development beyond compensation alone.

Related: PT License Florida 2026, Healthcare Recruiting in Massachusetts 2026.

Hiring in this space?

Ava Health places nurses and allied health professionals across Florida

Permanent, travel, contract, and per diem placement. No fees to candidates.

Explore staffing services →

Free tool

2026 Healthcare Salary Calculator

Estimate comp by specialty, state, experience, and practice setting. Based on MGMA, AMGA, and BLS benchmarks.

Try the salary calculator →

Get Ava Health updates

Healthcare salary data and market updates from Ava Health. Sign up to hear when new resources are ready.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.

Keep reading