Physical Therapist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $80,130 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median physical therapist salary of $80,130, which is $4,886 below the Kentucky state average of $85,016. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $80,130 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Owensboro spans from $54,776 at the 10th percentile to $106,764 at the 90th percentile — a $51,988 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,760, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,960. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $55,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,760

$-12,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$80,360

$-17,640 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$104,960

$-23,040 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$54,776	$58,116	$66,800
25th Percentile	$65,764	$69,774	$80,200
Median (50th)	$80,130	$85,016	$97,720
75th Percentile	$95,448	$101,268	$116,400
90th Percentile	$106,764	$113,274	$130,200

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$54,776

25th Percentile

$65,764

Median (50th)

$80,130

75th Percentile

$95,448

90th Percentile

$106,764

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $80,130 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $54,776 (10th percentile) to $106,764 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,130, a physical therapist in Owensboro earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median physical therapist salary of $80,130 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $85,016. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $80,130 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Owensboro? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Owensboro 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.

Physical Therapist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky