Phoenix vs San Tan Valley: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and San Tan Valley, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | San Tan Valley, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,759 | $106,331▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.85 | $51.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,878▲ | $78,602 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,398▲ | $91,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,370▲ | $123,314 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,716▲ | $135,081 |
| Total Employed | 3,760▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Phoenix and San Tan Valley are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Phoenix and San Tan Valley is $572 (0.54%). San Tan Valley's median is +0.99% 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,San Tan Valley spans $56,479. San Tan Valley 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, San Tan Valley ($107,950 effective) pays 5.46% more than Phoenix ($102,365 effective).
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 San Tan Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,331/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,950)
- ✓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 San Tan Valley over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$89,150 (2019) → $103,220 (2025)
San Tan Valley, AZ
$94,081 (2024) → $103,778 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
San Tan Valley, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Phoenix or San Tan Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and San Tan Valley?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to San Tan Valley as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Phoenix vs San Tan Valley?
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