Fort Collins vs Longmont: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Longmont, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Longmont, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,976 | $101,035▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.78 | $48.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,611 | $79,343▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,173 | $86,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,817 | $120,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,393 | $134,432▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 15 |
Verdict
Longmont, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Longmont is $12,059 (13.55%). Longmont's median is -4.04% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $58,782,Longmont spans $55,089. Fort Collins 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, Longmont ($96,224 effective) pays 9.37% more than Fort Collins ($87,984 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Longmont if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,035/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,432)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,224)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fort Collins grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Longmont over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$78,030 (2019) → $86,840 (2025)
Longmont, CO
$96,128 (2024) → $98,609 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Longmont, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fort Collins or Longmont?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Longmont?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Longmont as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fort Collins vs Longmont?
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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