Physical Therapist Pay

Mesa vs Prescott Valley: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Mesa, AZ and Prescott Valley, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesa, AZ
$105,247
$50.59/hr
Prescott Valley, AZ
$106,558
$51.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesa, AZPrescott Valley, AZ
Median Salary$105,247$106,558
Hourly Rate$50.59$51.23
Entry Level (P10)$78,844$82,296
25th Percentile$88,116$85,482
75th Percentile$124,791$121,620
Top Earner (P90)$139,912$135,606
Total Employed98170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesa ($105,247) and Prescott Valley ($106,558) physical therapist salaries.MesaPrescott ValleyMedian Salary$105,247$106,558Entry Level (P10)$78,844$82,296Top Earner (P90)$139,912$135,606US Median $105,288

Verdict

Prescott Valley, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.

The salary gap between Mesa and Prescott Valley is $1,311 (1.25%). Prescott Valley's median is +1.21% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $61,068,Prescott Valley spans $53,310. Mesa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mesa
P10 (Entry)$78,844
P25$88,116
Median$105,247
P75$124,791
P90 (Top)$139,912
Prescott Valley
P10 (Entry)$82,296
P25$85,482
Median$106,558
P75$121,620
P90 (Top)$135,606

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Prescott Valley ($108,450 effective) pays 1.50% more than Mesa ($106,850 effective).

Mesa
Nominal: $105,247
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $106,850
Prescott Valley
Nominal: $106,558
CoL Index: 98.255
Adjusted: $108,450

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($139,912)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Prescott Valley if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,558/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,450)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Mesa grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.7% growth in Prescott Valley over the same period.

Mesa, AZ

+2.1%

$100,572 (2024) → $102,720 (2025)

Prescott Valley, AZ

+-3.7%

$107,940 (2024) → $104,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Mesa or Prescott Valley?

Prescott Valley has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,558/year, compared to Mesa at $105,247/year — a difference of $1,311 (1.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Prescott Valley?

Mesa physical therapists earn $50.59/hr while Prescott Valley hygienists earn $51.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesa to Prescott Valley as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesa and Prescott Valley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesa = $106,850, Prescott Valley = $108,450), job availability (98 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Mesa vs Prescott Valley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $78,844 in Mesa and $82,296 in Prescott Valley. The Prescott Valley area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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