Physical Therapist Pay

Detroit vs Port Huron: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$105,503
$50.73/hr
Port Huron, MI
$102,887
$49.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIPort Huron, MI
Median Salary$105,503$102,887
Hourly Rate$50.73$49.47
Entry Level (P10)$82,675$78,912
25th Percentile$90,359$86,282
75th Percentile$114,878$120,094
Top Earner (P90)$134,366$127,376
Total Employed3,7706
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($105,503) and Port Huron ($102,887) physical therapist salaries.DetroitPort HuronMedian Salary$105,503$102,887Entry Level (P10)$82,675$78,912Top Earner (P90)$134,366$127,376US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Detroit and Port Huron is $2,616 (2.54%). 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,Port Huron spans $48,464. 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
Port Huron
P10 (Entry)$78,912
P25$86,282
Median$102,887
P75$120,094
P90 (Top)$127,376

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Port Huron ($110,394 effective) pays 4.95% more than Detroit ($105,190 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $105,503
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $105,190
Port Huron
Nominal: $102,887
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $110,394

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 Port Huron if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,394)
  • 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 18.5% growth in Port Huron over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+12.6%

$91,420 (2019) → $102,970 (2025)

Port Huron, MI

+18.5%

$84,712 (2024) → $100,417 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Detroit or Port Huron?

Detroit has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,503/year, compared to Port Huron at $102,887/year — a difference of $2,616 (2.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Port Huron?

Detroit physical therapists earn $50.73/hr while Port Huron hygienists earn $49.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Port Huron as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Port Huron. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $105,190, Port Huron = $110,394), job availability (3,770 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $82,675 in Detroit and $78,912 in Port Huron. 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