Boulder vs Fountain: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Boulder, CO and Fountain, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Fountain, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,950▲ | $97,449 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.45▲ | $46.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,868▲ | $76,399 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,833▲ | $82,946 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,151▲ | $114,787 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,586▲ | $126,284 |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fountain.
The salary gap between Boulder and Fountain is $7,501 (7.70%). Boulder's median is -0.32% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $90,718,Fountain spans $49,885. Boulder 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, Boulder ($99,760 effective) pays 7.49% more than Fountain ($92,809 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,950/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,586)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,760)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fountain if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Boulder grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Fountain over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$89,880 (2019) → $102,430 (2025)
Fountain, CO
$92,716 (2024) → $95,109 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Fountain, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Boulder or Fountain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Fountain?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Fountain as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Boulder vs Fountain?
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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