Bloomington vs Indianapolis: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bloomington, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,278 | $106,323▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.62 | $51.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,493▲ | $79,704 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,321▲ | $84,960 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,161 | $119,407▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,335 | $127,829▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 2,790▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Indianapolis is $1,045 (0.99%). Indianapolis's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $43,842,Indianapolis spans $48,125. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($111,105 effective) pays 0.35% more than Bloomington ($110,721 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,323/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,829)
- ✓Larger job market (2,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,105)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bloomington grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Bloomington, IN
$91,080 (2019) → $102,750 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$87,600 (2019) → $103,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bloomington or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Indianapolis as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bloomington vs Indianapolis?
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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