Physical Therapist Pay

Phoenix vs Sahuarita: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Phoenix, AZ
$105,759
$50.85/hr
Sahuarita, AZ
$102,098
$49.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZSahuarita, AZ
Median Salary$105,759$102,098
Hourly Rate$50.85$49.09
Entry Level (P10)$84,878$82,699
25th Percentile$92,398$88,945
75th Percentile$125,370$116,248
Top Earner (P90)$137,716$131,628
Total Employed3,7605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($105,759) and Sahuarita ($102,098) physical therapist salaries.PhoenixSahuaritaMedian Salary$105,759$102,098Entry Level (P10)$84,878$82,699Top Earner (P90)$137,716$131,628US Median $105,288

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sahuarita.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Sahuarita is $3,661 (3.59%). 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 Phoenix spans $52,838,Sahuarita spans $48,929. 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
Sahuarita
P10 (Entry)$82,699
P25$88,945
Median$102,098
P75$116,248
P90 (Top)$131,628

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sahuarita ($103,653 effective) pays 1.26% more than Phoenix ($102,365 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $105,759
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $102,365
Sahuarita
Nominal: $102,098
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $103,653

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,759/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,716)
  • Larger job market (3,760 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Sahuarita if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,653)
  • 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 10.3% growth in Sahuarita over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+15.8%

$89,150 (2019) → $103,220 (2025)

Sahuarita, AZ

+10.3%

$90,336 (2024) → $99,647 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Phoenix or Sahuarita?

Phoenix has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,759/year, compared to Sahuarita at $102,098/year — a difference of $3,661 (3.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Sahuarita?

Phoenix physical therapists earn $50.85/hr while Sahuarita hygienists earn $49.09/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Sahuarita. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $102,365, Sahuarita = $103,653), job availability (3,760 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $84,878 in Phoenix and $82,699 in Sahuarita. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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