Bremerton vs Des Moines: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bremerton, WA and Des Moines, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,155 | $108,913▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.16 | $52.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,597▲ | $83,591 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,423 | $91,717▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,081 | $127,333▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,454 | $139,569▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Des Moines, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bremerton.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Des Moines is $8,758 (8.74%). Des Moines's median is +3.44% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $49,857,Des Moines spans $55,978. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($101,409 effective) pays 6.93% more than Bremerton ($94,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,913/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,569)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,409)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bremerton grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.9% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$90,220 (2019) → $97,750 (2025)
Des Moines, WA
$105,343 (2024) → $106,298 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Des Moines, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bremerton or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Bremerton to Des Moines as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bremerton vs Des Moines?
Related Comparisons
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