Bay City vs Grand Rapids: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bay City, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bay City, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,749 | $101,538▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.04 | $48.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,150 | $81,650▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,431 | $85,482▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,108 | $109,448▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,388▲ | $111,538 |
| Total Employed | 120 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bay City.
The salary gap between Bay City and Grand Rapids is $5,789 (6.05%). Grand Rapids's median is -3.56% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bay City spans $43,238,Grand Rapids spans $29,888. Bay City 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, Grand Rapids ($106,271 effective) pays 2.02% more than Bay City ($104,164 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bay City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,388)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,538/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,271)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bay City grew 5.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Bay City, MI
$88,350 (2019) → $93,450 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$86,960 (2019) → $99,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bay City, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bay City or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bay City and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Bay City to Grand Rapids as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bay City vs Grand Rapids?
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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