Colorado Springs vs Thornton: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,308 | $104,245▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.23 | $50.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,548▲ | $73,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,056▲ | $83,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,468 | $127,161▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,526 | $143,603▲ |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Thornton is $3,937 (3.92%). Thornton's median is -0.99% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $61,978,Thornton spans $69,676. Thornton 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, Colorado Springs ($99,604 effective) pays 0.33% more than Thornton ($99,281 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,604)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,245/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,603)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Colorado Springs grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,110 (2019) → $97,900 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$99,183 (2024) → $101,742 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Colorado Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Thornton as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Colorado Springs vs Thornton?
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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