Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kingman, AZ: $85,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kingman, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,936 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,245 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,562) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingman, Arizona, new graduates entering the physical therapy field can expect a starting salary of around $85,936 in 2026. This entry-level figure is noticeably lower than the city's median salary of $105,562, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals may need to navigate. However, as these new therapists gain experience, they can anticipate gradual salary progression, moving from the P10 mark towards the P25 figure of $89,852 within their first few years. With the projected growth rate for physical therapist salaries in Kingman being 2.46% annually, the market seems relatively promising for new grads hoping to establish their careers in this area.
About the Kingman Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingman
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 Kingman
Entry-level physical therapists in Kingman, AZ typically start between $85,936 and $89,852 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,862 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,562 — 0.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arizona of $100,000 represents just 116.37% of the starting physical therapist pay ($85,936/year) in Kingman. 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 Kingman
- 1Research the Kingman market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $85,936 to $89,852, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingman, 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 Kingman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingman's moderate 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 Kingman is $50,862 ( 59.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,936, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,542
2025 BLS Actual
$83,873
2026 Current Est.
$85,936
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kingman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,837 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,567 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,050 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingman, AZ grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,542 in 2019 to $83,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,050. New graduates entering the Kingman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingman 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 Kingman
For recent graduates, several employers in Kingman are actively looking to fill entry-level positions within the physical therapy realm. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical frequently hire fresh DPT graduates, offering structured productivity expectations and bonuses. Those considering a position in a hospital system may benefit from residency programs that lead to board certification, while skilled nursing facilities such as Genesis and RehabCare typically offer competitive starting pay. To enhance their salary prospects in Arizona, entry-level therapists should obtain a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE, and secure state licensure. Pursuing further specialization through residency or fellowship programs can also be advantageous. In the competitive landscape created by the consolidation of outpatient facilities, it would be wise for new physical therapists to assess their career strategies, keeping in mind potential pressures from reimbursement cuts and evolving industry demands while setting realistic expectations for salary growth during the initial years of their practice in Kingman, AZ.
More salary data for Kingman, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kingman in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kingman?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kingman?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Kingman?
How do I become a physical therapist in Arizona?
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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 Kingman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingman is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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