Chester vs Pittsburgh: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,137 | $100,155▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.15 | $48.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,375▲ | $78,689 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,353▲ | $80,113 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,091▲ | $106,579 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,427▲ | $121,128 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,120▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $18 (0.02%). Pittsburgh's median is -4.88% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $42,052,Pittsburgh spans $42,439. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($105,793 effective) pays 2.90% more than Chester ($102,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,427)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,155/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,793)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Chester grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$90,354 (2024) → $97,733 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$82,990 (2019) → $97,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Chester vs Pittsburgh?
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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