Hobart vs South Bend: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hobart, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hobart, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,856 | $100,687▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.57 | $48.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,315 | $79,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,611 | $86,282▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,284▲ | $113,198 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,194 | $127,286▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 200▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobart.
The salary gap between Hobart and South Bend is $3,831 (3.96%). South Bend's median is -4.37% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hobart spans $46,879,South Bend spans $47,295. South Bend 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, South Bend ($108,431 effective) pays 2.21% more than Hobart ($106,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hobart if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,687/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,286)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,431)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hobart grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Hobart, IN
$80,665 (2024) → $94,531 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$84,500 (2019) → $98,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hobart, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hobart or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hobart and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Hobart to South Bend as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hobart vs South Bend?
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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