Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,522▲ | $108,392 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.65▲ | $52.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,054 | $82,214▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,224 | $98,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,002▲ | $123,516 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,343▲ | $135,001 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 6,250▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Philadelphia.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $1,130 (1.04%). Bethlehem's median is +4.02% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $59,289,Philadelphia spans $52,787. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($112,446 effective) pays 6.39% more than Philadelphia ($105,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,522/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,343)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,446)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bethlehem grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$94,824 (2024) → $106,892 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$91,980 (2019) → $105,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Philadelphia as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bethlehem vs Philadelphia?
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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