Salt Lake City vs Syracuse: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Syracuse, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Syracuse, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,394▲ | $98,739 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.15▲ | $47.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,617 | $73,007▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,755▲ | $84,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,749 | $117,007▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,305▲ | $128,615 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Syracuse is $7,655 (7.75%). Salt Lake City's median is +1.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $75,688,Syracuse spans $55,608. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($105,478 effective) pays 4.80% more than Syracuse ($100,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,394/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,305)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,478)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Salt Lake City grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$77,680 (2019) → $103,840 (2025)
Syracuse, UT
$81,982 (2024) → $96,368 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Syracuse, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Salt Lake City or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Syracuse as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Salt Lake City vs Syracuse?
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