Oro Valley vs Phoenix: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Oro Valley, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oro Valley, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,252 | $105,759▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.20 | $50.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,226 | $84,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,909 | $92,398▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,777 | $125,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,747 | $137,716▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 3,760▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oro Valley.
The salary gap between Oro Valley and Phoenix is $5,507 (5.49%). Phoenix's median is +0.45% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oro Valley spans $47,521,Phoenix spans $52,838. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($102,365 effective) pays 0.58% more than Oro Valley ($101,779 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oro Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,759/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,716)
- ✓Larger job market (3,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,365)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Oro Valley grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Oro Valley, AZ
$88,702 (2024) → $97,845 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$89,150 (2019) → $103,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oro Valley, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Oro Valley or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oro Valley and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Oro Valley to Phoenix as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Oro Valley vs Phoenix?
Related Comparisons
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