Lansing vs St. Clair Shores: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Lansing, MI and St. Clair Shores, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | St. Clair Shores, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,753 | $103,524▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.92 | $49.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,511 | $79,469▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,144 | $87,660▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,349 | $124,689▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,108 | $139,764▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 13 |
Verdict
St. Clair Shores, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Lansing and St. Clair Shores is $1,771 (1.74%). St. Clair Shores's median is -1.68% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $43,597,St. Clair Shores spans $60,295. St. Clair Shores 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, St. Clair Shores ($111,077 effective) pays 3.70% more than Lansing ($107,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose St. Clair Shores if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,524/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,764)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,077)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Lansing grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in St. Clair Shores over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$86,880 (2019) → $99,310 (2025)
St. Clair Shores, MI
$85,236 (2024) → $101,038 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
St. Clair Shores, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Lansing or St. Clair Shores?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and St. Clair Shores?
Should I relocate from Lansing to St. Clair Shores as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Lansing vs St. Clair Shores?
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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