Healthcare Colorado (CO) Rank #13 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado

The median physical therapist salary in Colorado is $104,560 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$104,560
vs National
+$6,840
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for physical therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $104,560 per year, physical therapists in Colorado earn $6,840 more than the national median of $97,720.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning physical therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $71,476, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $139,314 — a $67,838 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $127,036.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Colorado and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $72,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,960 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,760
+$4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,860
+$6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,960
+$8,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $71,476
25th Percentile $85,814
Median (50th) $104,560
75th Percentile $124,548
90th Percentile $139,314

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Colorado

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Colorado? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Colorado is $104,560 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $71,476 (10th percentile) to $139,314 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,560, a physical therapist in Colorado earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Colorado ranks #13 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $72,760, while senior professionals earn $136,960.
How does Colorado compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Colorado's median of $104,560 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($105,538) and Rhode Island ($105,538).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Colorado earns approximately $72,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $104,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $136,960.
What city in Colorado pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for physical therapists, with a median salary of $127,036. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.