Little Rock vs Pine Bluff: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Pine Bluff, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Pine Bluff, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,399▲ | $99,951 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.23▲ | $48.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,452▲ | $74,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,609 | $82,329▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,831 | $118,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,591 | $131,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pine Bluff.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Pine Bluff is $2,448 (2.45%). 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 Little Rock spans $54,139,Pine Bluff spans $56,527. Pine Bluff 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, Pine Bluff ($115,018 effective) pays 0.38% 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 Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,399/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Pine Bluff if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,063)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,018)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Little Rock grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Pine Bluff over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$80,570 (2019) → $99,940 (2025)
Pine Bluff, AR
$74,644 (2024) → $97,551 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Pine Bluff, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Little Rock or Pine Bluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Pine Bluff?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Pine Bluff as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Little Rock vs Pine Bluff?
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