Healthcare South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

Physical Therapist Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median physical therapist salary in South Bend, IN is $81,108 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$81,108
vs State Avg
$-6,840
vs National
$-16,612
Cost of Living
83%

Physical Therapist Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median physical therapist salary of $81,108, which is $6,840 below the Indiana state average of $87,948. Compared to the national median of $97,720, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $81,108 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in South Bend spans from $55,444 at the 10th percentile to $108,066 at the 90th percentile — a $52,622 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,440, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,240. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $56,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,440
$-11,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,340
$-16,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,240
$-21,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $55,444
25th Percentile $66,566
Median (50th) $81,108
75th Percentile $96,612
90th Percentile $108,066

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$102,606
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$90,880
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$83,062
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$82,085
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a Physical Therapist in South Bend

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in South Bend

Browse open physical therapist positions in South Bend, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in South Bend

How much does a Physical Therapist make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in South Bend, Indiana is $81,108 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $55,444 (10th percentile) to $108,066 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,108, a physical therapist in South Bend earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
South Bend's median physical therapist salary of $81,108 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $87,948. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $81,108 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in South Bend? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in South Bend 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.