Harrisburg vs Philadelphia: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,624 | $108,392▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.33 | $52.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,038 | $82,214▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,741 | $98,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,589 | $123,516▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,104▲ | $135,001 |
| Total Employed | 640 | 6,250▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is $5,768 (5.62%). Philadelphia's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $56,066,Philadelphia spans $52,787. Harrisburg 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, Philadelphia ($105,693 effective) pays 1.60% more than Harrisburg ($104,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,104)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,392/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,693)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Harrisburg grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$93,200 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$91,980 (2019) → $105,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Harrisburg or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Philadelphia as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Harrisburg vs Philadelphia?
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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