Columbus vs Fairfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbus, OH and Fairfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Fairfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,716▲ | $101,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.78▲ | $48.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,005 | $81,080▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,155 | $87,491▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,159▲ | $114,600 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,163 | $133,049▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,030▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfield.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fairfield is $6,561 (6.49%). Columbus's median is +2.31% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $46,158,Fairfield spans $51,969. Fairfield 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, Columbus ($112,828 effective) pays 1.17% more than Fairfield ($111,527 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,716/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,828)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Fairfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,049)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Columbus grew 20.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.9% growth in Fairfield over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$87,600 (2019) → $105,130 (2025)
Fairfield, OH
$78,399 (2024) → $98,726 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Fairfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbus or Fairfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Fairfield?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Fairfield as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbus vs Fairfield?
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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