Philadelphia vs Reading: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,392▲ | $105,483 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.11▲ | $50.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,214▲ | $79,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,054▲ | $83,464 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,516▲ | $113,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,001▲ | $131,005 |
| Total Employed | 6,250▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $2,909 (2.76%). 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,Reading spans $51,517. 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, Reading ($108,678 effective) pays 2.82% 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 Reading if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,678)
- ✓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 10.7% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$91,980 (2019) → $105,790 (2025)
Reading, PA
$92,990 (2019) → $102,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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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.
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