Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Jacksonville, AR: $78,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Jacksonville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,801 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jacksonville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,680 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,659) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering entry-level positions for physical therapists in Jacksonville, AR, the starting physical therapist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $78,801. For new graduates, this figure is notably below the city median of $101,659, indicating a significant gap that early-career professionals can expect. Over the first few years, as entry-level therapists gain experience, they have the potential to earn between $85,866 and the median salary, aligning closer to the city’s average. This trajectory reflects a growth potential of 2.46% annually, which may yield a more favorable market for new grads entering the field, especially given the relatively low cost of living in Jacksonville. Thus, for new graduates, the city presents a reasonable entry point with gradual earnings enhancement over their initial professional years.
About the Jacksonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Entry-level physical therapists in Jacksonville, AR typically start between $78,801 and $85,866 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,882 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,659 — 3.45% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Arkansas of $75,000 represents just 95.18% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,801/year) in Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville
- 1Research the Jacksonville market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,801 to $85,866, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville is $51,882 ( 65.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,801, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,683.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,934
2025 BLS Actual
$76,909
2026 Current Est.
$78,801
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,044 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,739 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Jacksonville, AR grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,934 in 2019 to $76,909 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,739. New graduates entering the Jacksonville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, several local employers are ideal for recent graduates seeking to enter the field of physical therapy. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, are frequent hiring sites for new graduates, providing structured productivity ramps that help in transitioning into the workforce. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs that facilitate board certification for those aiming to specialize. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare are known to provide slightly higher initial salaries for their rehabilitation services. To enhance their earning potential, new therapists should ensure they cultivate a strong skill set that includes obtaining their DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring state licensure in Arkansas. Moreover, joining the APTA and pursuing board specialization can further elevate their marketability. Realistically, many new graduates may experience incremental salary increments within their first three years, making strategic career decisions crucial for financial growth and professional development in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Jacksonville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Jacksonville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Jacksonville?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Jacksonville?
How do I become a physical therapist in Arkansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 Jacksonville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jacksonville 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