Healthcare Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Physical Therapist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median physical therapist salary in Boulder, CO is $127,036 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$127,036
vs State Avg
+$22,476
vs National
+$29,316
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median physical therapist salary of $127,036, which is $22,476 above the Colorado state average of $104,560. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,036 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,247. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Boulder spans from $86,840 at the 10th percentile to $169,260 at the 90th percentile — a $82,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,400, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $166,400. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $88,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $166,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,400
+$20,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,400
+$29,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$166,400
+$38,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $86,840
25th Percentile $104,260
Median (50th) $127,036
75th Percentile $151,320
90th Percentile $169,260

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$111,401
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$105,538
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$104,560
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$99,674
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Boulder

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open physical therapist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $127,036 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $86,840 (10th percentile) to $169,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,036, a physical therapist in Boulder earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Boulder's median physical therapist salary of $127,036 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $104,560. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $127,036 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Boulder? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Boulder 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.