Hot Springs vs Little Rock: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,653 | $102,399▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.91 | $49.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,341▲ | $75,452 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,626▲ | $81,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,530 | $115,831▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,434 | $129,591▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Little Rock is $2,746 (2.76%). Little Rock's median is -2.74% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $45,093,Little Rock spans $54,139. Little Rock 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, Hot Springs ($116,241 effective) pays 1.44% more than Little Rock ($114,586 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,241)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,399/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,591)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hot Springs grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$86,210 (2019) → $97,260 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$80,570 (2019) → $99,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hot Springs or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Little Rock as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hot Springs vs Little Rock?
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