Salisbury vs Wheaton: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Salisbury, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salisbury, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,929 | $115,064▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.85 | $55.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,720 | $84,027▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,292▲ | $93,852 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,163 | $135,009▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,001▲ | $149,378 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Salisbury and Wheaton are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Salisbury and Wheaton is $5,135 (4.67%). Wheaton's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salisbury spans $81,281,Wheaton spans $65,351. Salisbury has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salisbury ($114,968 effective) pays 9.21% more than Wheaton ($105,274 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,001)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,968)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,064/year)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Salisbury grew 16.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Salisbury, MD
$92,270 (2019) → $107,290 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$109,285 (2024) → $112,301 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salisbury, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Salisbury or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salisbury and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Salisbury to Wheaton as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Salisbury vs Wheaton?
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