Healthcare Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Physical Therapist Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median physical therapist salary in Columbus, OH is $94,788 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 5.4% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$94,788
vs State Avg
+$4,886
vs National
$-2,932
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median physical therapist salary of $94,788, which is $4,886 above the Ohio state average of $89,902. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Columbus spans from $64,796 at the 10th percentile to $126,294 at the 90th percentile — a $61,498 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,960, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,160. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $65,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,960
$-2,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,060
$-2,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,160
$-3,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $64,796
25th Percentile $77,794
Median (50th) $94,788
75th Percentile $112,908
90th Percentile $126,294

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$89,902
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$85,994
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$84,039
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$82,085
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Columbus

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbus 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 Columbus may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Columbus

Browse open physical therapist positions in Columbus, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Columbus

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Columbus, Ohio is $94,788 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $64,796 (10th percentile) to $126,294 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,788, a physical therapist in Columbus earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Columbus's median physical therapist salary of $94,788 is 5.4% above the Ohio state average of $89,902. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $94,788 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Columbus? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Columbus 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.