Pittsburgh vs Lancaster: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,155 | $105,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.15 | $50.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,689 | $79,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,113 | $84,960▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,579 | $124,345▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,128 | $135,432▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,120▲ | 430 |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Lancaster is $5,625 (5.62%). Lancaster's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $42,439,Lancaster spans $55,913. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($107,656 effective) pays 1.76% more than Pittsburgh ($105,793 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,432)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,656)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Pittsburgh grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$82,990 (2019) → $97,750 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$94,170 (2019) → $103,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Pittsburgh or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Lancaster as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Pittsburgh vs Lancaster?
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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