Physical Therapist Pay

Baltimore vs Dundalk: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Dundalk, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$108,413
$52.12/hr
Dundalk, MD
$111,154
$53.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDDundalk, MD
Median Salary$108,413$111,154
Hourly Rate$52.12$53.44
Entry Level (P10)$80,462$83,960
25th Percentile$97,091$92,755
75th Percentile$126,436$132,514
Top Earner (P90)$142,040$143,733
Total Employed2,05010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($108,413) and Dundalk ($111,154) physical therapist salaries.BaltimoreDundalkMedian Salary$108,413$111,154Entry Level (P10)$80,462$83,960Top Earner (P90)$142,040$143,733US Median $105,288

Verdict

Dundalk, MD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Dundalk is $2,741 (2.53%). Dundalk's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $61,578,Dundalk spans $59,773. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$80,462
P25$97,091
Median$108,413
P75$126,436
P90 (Top)$142,040
Dundalk
P10 (Entry)$83,960
P25$92,755
Median$111,154
P75$132,514
P90 (Top)$143,733

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($103,757 effective) pays 2.03% more than Dundalk ($101,696 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $108,413
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $103,757
Dundalk
Nominal: $111,154
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $101,696

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Larger job market (2,050 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,757)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Dundalk if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,154/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,733)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Baltimore grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Dundalk over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+13.3%

$93,430 (2019) → $105,810 (2025)

Dundalk, MD

+2.8%

$105,571 (2024) → $108,485 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Baltimore or Dundalk?

Dundalk has a higher median physical therapist salary at $111,154/year, compared to Baltimore at $108,413/year — a difference of $2,741 (2.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Dundalk?

Baltimore physical therapists earn $52.12/hr while Dundalk hygienists earn $53.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Dundalk as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Dundalk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $103,757, Dundalk = $101,696), job availability (2,050 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Baltimore vs Dundalk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,462 in Baltimore and $83,960 in Dundalk. The Dundalk area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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