Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Physical Therapist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median physical therapist salary in Denver, CO is $111,401 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$111,401
vs State Avg
+$6,841
vs National
+$13,681
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median physical therapist salary of $111,401, which is $6,841 above the Colorado state average of $104,560. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,401 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,465. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Denver spans from $76,152 at the 10th percentile to $148,428 at the 90th percentile — a $72,276 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,520, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,920. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $77,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,520
+$9,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$111,720
+$13,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,920
+$17,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $76,152
25th Percentile $91,428
Median (50th) $111,401
75th Percentile $132,696
90th Percentile $148,428

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$127,036
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Denver

Browse open physical therapist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Denver

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Denver, Colorado is $111,401 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $76,152 (10th percentile) to $148,428 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,401, a physical therapist in Denver earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Denver's median physical therapist salary of $111,401 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $104,560. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $111,401 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Denver? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Denver 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.