Healthcare Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Delaware

The median physical therapist salary in Delaware is $100,652 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$100,652
vs National
+$2,932
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for physical therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $100,652 per year, physical therapists in Delaware earn $2,932 more than the national median of $97,720.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning physical therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $68,804, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $134,106 — a $65,302 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $104,560.

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 Delaware and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $70,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,840 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,040
+$2,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,940
+$2,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,840
+$3,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $68,804
25th Percentile $82,606
Median (50th) $100,652
75th Percentile $119,892
90th Percentile $134,106

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Wilmington, DE
$104,560
Pop. 70,898 · COL 105%
Dover, DE
$95,766
Pop. 39,403 · COL 96%
Newark, DE
$101,629
Pop. 33,398 · COL 102%
Middletown, DE
$97,720
Pop. 22,350 · COL 98%
Bear, DE
$98,697
Pop. 21,000 · COL 99%

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Delaware

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

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Open to Physical Therapist Roles in Delaware?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Delaware? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Delaware is $100,652 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $68,804 (10th percentile) to $134,106 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,652, a physical therapist in Delaware earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $70,040, while senior professionals earn $131,840.
How does Delaware compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Delaware's median of $100,652 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($104,560) and Virginia ($103,583).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Delaware earns approximately $70,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $100,940. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,840.
What city in Delaware pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for physical therapists, with a median salary of $104,560. Other cities include Dover and Newark.