Physical Therapist Pay

Detroit vs Monroe: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Detroit, MI and Monroe, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$105,503
$50.73/hr
Monroe, MI
$105,032
$50.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIMonroe, MI
Median Salary$105,503$105,032
Hourly Rate$50.73$50.50
Entry Level (P10)$82,675$81,712
25th Percentile$90,359$84,202
75th Percentile$114,878$117,942
Top Earner (P90)$134,366$120,729
Total Employed3,77050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($105,503) and Monroe ($105,032) physical therapist salaries.DetroitMonroeMedian Salary$105,503$105,032Entry Level (P10)$82,675$81,712Top Earner (P90)$134,366$120,729US Median $105,288

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.

The salary gap between Detroit and Monroe is $471 (0.45%). Detroit's median is +0.20% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $51,691,Monroe spans $39,017. Detroit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$82,675
P25$90,359
Median$105,503
P75$114,878
P90 (Top)$134,366
Monroe
P10 (Entry)$81,712
P25$84,202
Median$105,032
P75$117,942
P90 (Top)$120,729

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Monroe ($112,343 effective) pays 6.80% more than Detroit ($105,190 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $105,503
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $105,190
Monroe
Nominal: $105,032
CoL Index: 93.492
Adjusted: $112,343

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,503/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($134,366)
  • Larger job market (3,770 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Monroe if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,343)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Detroit grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Monroe over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+12.6%

$91,420 (2019) → $102,970 (2025)

Monroe, MI

+14.6%

$89,440 (2020) → $102,510 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Detroit or Monroe?

Detroit has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,503/year, compared to Monroe at $105,032/year — a difference of $471 (0.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Monroe?

Detroit physical therapists earn $50.73/hr while Monroe hygienists earn $50.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Monroe as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Monroe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $105,190, Monroe = $112,343), job availability (3,770 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Detroit vs Monroe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $82,675 in Detroit and $81,712 in Monroe. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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