Cincinnati vs Springfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Springfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Springfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,421 | $107,450▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.69 | $51.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,163▲ | $81,691 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,794 | $98,126▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,821▲ | $109,960 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,895▲ | $127,337 |
| Total Employed | 2,090▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Springfield are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Springfield is $2,029 (1.92%). Springfield's median is +2.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $46,732,Springfield spans $45,646. Cincinnati 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, Springfield ($118,753 effective) pays 7.43% more than Cincinnati ($110,539 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,895)
- ✓Larger job market (2,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,450/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,753)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Cincinnati grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$89,610 (2019) → $102,890 (2025)
Springfield, OH
$84,190 (2019) → $104,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Springfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Cincinnati or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Springfield as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cincinnati vs Springfield?
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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