Des Moines vs Seattle: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Des Moines, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,913 | $109,929▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.36 | $52.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,591▲ | $66,384 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,717 | $97,398▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,333 | $136,344▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,569 | $148,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,950▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Seattle is $1,016 (0.93%). Seattle's median is +4.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $55,978,Seattle spans $82,142. Seattle 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, Des Moines ($101,409 effective) pays 2.52% more than Seattle ($98,917 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,409)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,526)
- ✓Larger job market (2,950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Des Moines grew 0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Des Moines, WA
$105,343 (2024) → $106,298 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$90,360 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Des Moines or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Seattle as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Des Moines vs Seattle?
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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