Rochester vs White Plains: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Rochester, NY and White Plains, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | White Plains, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,114 | $93,763▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.92 | $45.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,695 | $71,953▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,700 | $79,089▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,103 | $112,771▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,513 | $122,416▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 11 |
Verdict
White Plains, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and White Plains is $8,649 (10.16%). White Plains's median is -10.95% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $47,818,White Plains spans $50,463. White Plains 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, Rochester ($87,715 effective) pays 8.42% more than White Plains ($80,900 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,715)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose White Plains if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,763/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,416)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Rochester grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.5% growth in White Plains over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$76,270 (2019) → $83,070 (2025)
White Plains, NY
$115,065 (2024) → $91,512 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
White Plains, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Rochester or White Plains?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and White Plains?
Should I relocate from Rochester to White Plains as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Rochester vs White Plains?
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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