Physical Therapist Pay

Phoenix vs Prescott: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Phoenix, AZ
$105,759
$50.85/hr
Prescott, AZ
$105,992
$50.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZPrescott, AZ
Median Salary$105,759$105,992
Hourly Rate$50.85$50.95
Entry Level (P10)$84,878$85,419
25th Percentile$92,398$92,263
75th Percentile$125,370$124,549
Top Earner (P90)$137,716$136,862
Total Employed3,7609
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($105,759) and Prescott ($105,992) physical therapist salaries.PhoenixPrescottMedian Salary$105,759$105,992Entry Level (P10)$84,878$85,419Top Earner (P90)$137,716$136,862US Median $105,288

Verdict

Phoenix and Prescott are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Prescott is $233 (0.22%). Prescott's median is +0.67% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $52,838,Prescott spans $51,443. Phoenix has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$84,878
P25$92,398
Median$105,759
P75$125,370
P90 (Top)$137,716
Prescott
P10 (Entry)$85,419
P25$92,263
Median$105,992
P75$124,549
P90 (Top)$136,862

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Prescott ($107,606 effective) pays 5.12% more than Phoenix ($102,365 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $105,759
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $102,365
Prescott
Nominal: $105,992
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $107,606

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($137,716)
  • Larger job market (3,760 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Prescott if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,992/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,606)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Phoenix grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Prescott over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+15.8%

$89,150 (2019) → $103,220 (2025)

Prescott, AZ

+9.0%

$94,920 (2019) → $103,447 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Phoenix or Prescott?

Prescott has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,992/year, compared to Phoenix at $105,759/year — a difference of $233 (0.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Prescott?

Phoenix physical therapists earn $50.85/hr while Prescott hygienists earn $50.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Prescott as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Prescott. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $102,365, Prescott = $107,606), job availability (3,760 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,878 in Phoenix and $85,419 in Prescott. The Prescott area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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