Physical Therapist Pay

Mesquite vs Reno: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Mesquite, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mesquite, NV
$97,331
$46.79/hr
Reno, NV
$109,468
$52.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMesquite, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$97,331$109,468
Hourly Rate$46.79$52.63
Entry Level (P10)$74,037$97,603
25th Percentile$86,760$100,831
75th Percentile$109,646$122,921
Top Earner (P90)$122,845$144,796
Total Employed6360
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mesquite ($97,331) and Reno ($109,468) physical therapist salaries.MesquiteRenoMedian Salary$97,331$109,468Entry Level (P10)$74,037$97,603Top Earner (P90)$122,845$144,796US Median $105,288

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.

The salary gap between Mesquite and Reno is $12,137 (12.47%). Reno's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesquite spans $48,808,Reno spans $47,193. Mesquite has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$74,037
P25$86,760
Median$97,331
P75$109,646
P90 (Top)$122,845
Reno
P10 (Entry)$97,603
P25$100,831
Median$109,468
P75$122,921
P90 (Top)$144,796

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($108,369 effective) pays 9.45% more than Mesquite ($99,014 effective).

Mesquite
Nominal: $97,331
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $99,014
Reno
Nominal: $109,468
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $108,369

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mesquite if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,468/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($144,796)
  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,369)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Mesquite grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Reno over the same period.

Mesquite, NV

+-4.9%

$99,838 (2024) → $94,994 (2025)

Reno, NV

+13.6%

$94,040 (2019) → $106,840 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Mesquite or Reno?

Reno has a higher median physical therapist salary at $109,468/year, compared to Mesquite at $97,331/year — a difference of $12,137 (12.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mesquite and Reno?

Mesquite physical therapists earn $46.79/hr while Reno hygienists earn $52.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mesquite to Reno as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mesquite and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mesquite = $99,014, Reno = $108,369), job availability (6 vs 360 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Mesquite vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $74,037 in Mesquite and $97,603 in Reno. The Reno area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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