Physical Therapist Pay

Baltimore vs Towson: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$108,413
$52.12/hr
Towson, MD
$107,992
$51.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDTowson, MD
Median Salary$108,413$107,992
Hourly Rate$52.12$51.92
Entry Level (P10)$80,462$85,110
25th Percentile$97,091$92,770
75th Percentile$126,436$129,200
Top Earner (P90)$142,040$143,791
Total Employed2,05011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($108,413) and Towson ($107,992) physical therapist salaries.BaltimoreTowsonMedian Salary$108,413$107,992Entry Level (P10)$80,462$85,110Top Earner (P90)$142,040$143,791US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Towson is $421 (0.39%). Baltimore's median is +2.97% 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,Towson spans $58,681. 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
Towson
P10 (Entry)$85,110
P25$92,770
Median$107,992
P75$129,200
P90 (Top)$143,791

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($103,757 effective) pays 5.01% more than Towson ($98,803 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $108,413
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $103,757
Towson
Nominal: $107,992
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $98,803

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,413/year)
  • Larger job market (2,050 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,757)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Towson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($143,791)
  • 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 -2.2% growth in Towson over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+13.3%

$93,430 (2019) → $105,810 (2025)

Towson, MD

+-2.2%

$107,787 (2024) → $105,399 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Baltimore or Towson?

Baltimore has a higher median physical therapist salary at $108,413/year, compared to Towson at $107,992/year — a difference of $421 (0.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Towson?

Baltimore physical therapists earn $52.12/hr while Towson hygienists earn $51.92/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Towson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $103,757, Towson = $98,803), job availability (2,050 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,462 in Baltimore and $85,110 in Towson. The Towson area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

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