Bartlett vs Knoxville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bartlett, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bartlett, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,450▲ | $98,474 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.29▲ | $47.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,306▲ | $66,445 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,646▲ | $77,818 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,576▲ | $104,007 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,932▲ | $127,245 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Bartlett, TN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Bartlett and Knoxville is $1,976 (2.01%). Bartlett's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlett spans $53,626,Knoxville spans $60,800. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bartlett ($109,423 effective) pays 2.86% more than Knoxville ($106,379 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bartlett if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,450/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,932)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,423)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bartlett grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Bartlett, TN
$84,939 (2024) → $98,038 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$83,660 (2019) → $96,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bartlett, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bartlett or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bartlett and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Bartlett to Knoxville as a physical therapist?
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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