Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Physical Therapist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median physical therapist salary in Detroit, MI is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$85,994
vs State Avg
$-1,954
vs National
$-11,726
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $1,954 below the Michigan state average of $87,948. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,994 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Detroit spans from $58,784 at the 10th percentile to $114,576 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,640. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $58,784
25th Percentile $70,576
Median (50th) $85,994
75th Percentile $102,432
90th Percentile $114,576

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$102,606
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$87,948
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$85,994
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$84,039
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Detroit

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open physical therapist positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $58,784 (10th percentile) to $114,576 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Detroit earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Detroit's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $87,948. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Detroit? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Detroit 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.