Physical Therapist Salary in Cleveland, OH: $85,994 (2026)

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

Cleveland offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $3,908 below the Ohio state average of $89,902. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $85,994 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $99,993 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Cleveland 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. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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 86% 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

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$58,784	$61,456	$66,800
25th Percentile	$70,576	$73,784	$80,200
Median (50th)	$85,994	$89,902	$97,720
75th Percentile	$102,432	$107,088	$116,400
90th Percentile	$114,576	$119,784	$130,200

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$58,784

25th Percentile

$70,576

Median (50th)

$85,994

75th Percentile

$102,432

90th Percentile

$114,576

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Cleveland earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Cleveland's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 4.3% below the Ohio state average of $89,902. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physical therapist positions in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, Ohio