Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Florence, AL: $76,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Florence, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,169 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Florence's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,835) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Florence, AL, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be $76,169 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point for recent DPT graduates but falls short compared to the city’s median annual salary of $86,835, highlighting a gap that reflects the early stages of a career. As new professionals gain experience, they can anticipate salary growth trajectories, moving from the entry-level figure through the 25th percentile at $81,763 and eventually reaching the median within the first three to five years. Given the local cost of living index, which is below the national average, Florence remains a competitive job market for new graduates looking to establish their careers without being overburdened by living expenses.
Career Earnings Timeline in Florence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
Entry-level physical therapists in Florence, AL typically start between $76,169 and $81,763 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,136 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,835 — 17.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Alabama of $80,000 represents just 105.03% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,169/year) in Florence. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Florence
- 1Research the Florence market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,169 to $81,763, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Florence, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Florence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Florence's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Florence is $53,136 ( 69.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,169, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,305.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,850
2025 BLS Actual
$74,340
2026 Current Est.
$76,169
2019–2027 Growth
+11.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,604 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,043 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Florence, AL grew 6.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,850 in 2019 to $74,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,043. New graduates entering the Florence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Florence
In Florence, several employers actively seek out new grads in physical therapy, predominantly outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico. These organizations typically offer structured productivity ramps that help newcomers adapt to the clinical environment. Larger hospital systems may provide residency programs leading to board certification, enhancing career opportunities while offering competitive entry-level pay. Credentials such as a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passage of the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are essential for practice in Alabama. Continuing education opportunities, including residencies and fellowships for board specialization (like OCS or SCS), can significantly enhance earning potential. Realistically, new graduates can expect to see salary increases as they progress through their first three years, especially if they engage in professional development through APTA membership or capitalize on productivity bonuses in their practice settings.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Florence in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Florence?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Florence?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Florence?
How do I become a physical therapist in Alabama?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Florence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov