Denver vs Wheat Ridge: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Denver, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,858▲ | $98,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.41▲ | $47.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,984▲ | $79,560 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,902▲ | $85,637 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,274▲ | $115,729 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,952▲ | $126,996 |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheat Ridge.
The salary gap between Denver and Wheat Ridge is $6,103 (6.18%). Denver's median is -0.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $56,968,Wheat Ridge spans $47,436. Denver 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, Denver ($99,127 effective) pays 5.39% more than Wheat Ridge ($94,052 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,858/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,952)
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,127)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Denver grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Denver, CO
$84,720 (2019) → $102,340 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$93,959 (2024) → $96,384 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Denver or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Denver to Wheat Ridge as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Denver vs Wheat Ridge?
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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