Healthcare Connecticut (CT) Rank #8 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Connecticut

The median physical therapist salary in Connecticut is $113,355 per year, which is 16.0% above the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$113,355
vs National
+$15,635
State Rank
#8 of 50
Cost of Living
112%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Connecticut (2026)

Connecticut ranks #8 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. This places Connecticut in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physical therapists seeking high pay. At $113,355 per year, physical therapists in Connecticut earn $15,635 more than the national median of $97,720.

It's worth noting that Connecticut's cost of living is 112% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $113,355 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $101,210.

The salary spread in Connecticut is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $77,488, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $151,032 — a $73,544 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Connecticut for this role is Stamford, where the median reaches $138,762.

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 Connecticut and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Connecticut by Experience

In Connecticut, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $78,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,480 per year. The cost of living index in Connecticut is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,880
+$10,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,680
+$15,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,480
+$20,480 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $113,355+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Connecticut

Percentile CT Salary
10th Percentile $77,488
25th Percentile $93,032
Median (50th) $113,355
75th Percentile $135,024
90th Percentile $151,032

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Connecticut

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Connecticut include Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, and Stamford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Connecticut

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Connecticut

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Physical Therapists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $35,125 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Physical Therapist Roles in Connecticut?

Get matched with recruiters hiring physical therapists in Connecticut at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Connecticut

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Connecticut? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Connecticut is $113,355 per year, which is 16.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $77,488 (10th percentile) to $151,032 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Connecticut? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $113,355, a physical therapist in Connecticut earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Connecticut a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Connecticut ranks #8 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 112% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $78,880, while senior professionals earn $148,480.
How does Connecticut compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Connecticut's median of $113,355 ranks #8 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Jersey ($117,264) and Washington ($116,287).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Connecticut? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Connecticut earns approximately $78,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $148,480.
What city in Connecticut pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Stamford is the highest paying city in Connecticut for physical therapists, with a median salary of $138,762. Other cities include Bridgeport and New Haven.