Cleveland vs Lakewood: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,589▲ | $104,792 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.25▲ | $50.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,579▲ | $75,694 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,845▲ | $84,851 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,059 | $122,333▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,329 | $141,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lakewood is $1,797 (1.71%). 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,Lakewood spans $65,966. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($115,537 effective) pays 1.81% 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 Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,660)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,537)
- ✓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 25.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$86,230 (2019) → $104,030 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$81,218 (2024) → $102,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Cleveland or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lakewood as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cleveland vs Lakewood?
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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