Healthcare Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Physical Therapist Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median physical therapist salary in Tucson, AZ is $90,880 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$90,880
vs State Avg
$-3,908
vs National
$-6,840
Cost of Living
93%

Physical Therapist Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median physical therapist salary of $90,880, which is $3,908 below the Arizona state average of $94,788. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Tucson spans from $62,124 at the 10th percentile to $121,086 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,240, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,040. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $63,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,240
$-4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $62,124
25th Percentile $74,586
Median (50th) $90,880
75th Percentile $108,252
90th Percentile $121,086

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$109,446
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$99,674
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$97,720
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$94,788
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Tucson

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Tucson

Browse open physical therapist positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Tucson

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Tucson, Arizona is $90,880 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $62,124 (10th percentile) to $121,086 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,880, a physical therapist in Tucson earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Tucson's median physical therapist salary of $90,880 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $94,788. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $90,880 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Tucson? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Tucson require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.