Philadelphia vs Erie: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Erie, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Erie, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,392▲ | $97,163 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.11▲ | $46.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,214▲ | $75,831 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,054▲ | $83,105 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,516▲ | $103,894 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,001▲ | $122,163 |
| Total Employed | 6,250▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Erie is $11,229 (11.56%). Philadelphia's median is +2.95% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $52,787,Erie spans $46,332. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Erie ($106,831 effective) pays 1.08% more than Philadelphia ($105,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,001)
- ✓Larger job market (6,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,831)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Philadelphia grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Erie over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$91,980 (2019) → $105,790 (2025)
Erie, PA
$76,060 (2019) → $94,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Philadelphia or Erie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Erie?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Erie as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Philadelphia vs Erie?
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