Aurora vs Denver: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Aurora, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,555 | $104,858▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.30 | $50.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,151 | $80,984▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,805 | $85,902▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,284 | $124,274▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,763▲ | $137,952 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 2,730▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Denver is $2,303 (2.25%). Denver's median is -0.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $65,612,Denver spans $56,968. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($99,127 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($97,671 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,763)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,858/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,127)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Aurora grew -0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Denver over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$100,281 (2024) → $100,093 (2025)
Denver, CO
$84,720 (2019) → $102,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Aurora or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Denver?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Denver as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Aurora vs Denver?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov