Carson City vs Las Vegas: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Carson City, NV and Las Vegas, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,782▲ | $119,345 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.51▲ | $57.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,435▲ | $88,382 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,464▲ | $100,196 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,157 | $139,991▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,901 | $195,391▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,530▲ |
Verdict
Carson City and Las Vegas are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Carson City and Las Vegas is $4,437 (3.72%). Carson City's median is +17.57% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $81,466,Las Vegas spans $107,009. Las Vegas 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, Carson City ($126,141 effective) pays 5.92% more than Las Vegas ($119,089 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,782/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,141)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,391)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Carson City grew 44.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$83,470 (2019) → $120,810 (2025)
Las Vegas, NV
$99,930 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Carson City or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Las Vegas as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Carson City vs Las Vegas?
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