Cleveland vs Dayton: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,589▲ | $105,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.25▲ | $50.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,579 | $82,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,845 | $89,816▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,059▲ | $117,737 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,329 | $138,341▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 780 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $717 (0.68%). Cleveland's median is +1.24% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $48,750,Dayton spans $56,230. Dayton 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, Dayton ($114,217 effective) pays 0.64% more than Cleveland ($113,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,589/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,341)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,217)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Cleveland grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$86,230 (2019) → $104,030 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$93,200 (2019) → $103,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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