Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Commerce City, CO: $75,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,779 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,170 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,563) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Commerce City, Colorado, the starting physical therapist salary is projected at $75,779 in 2026. This figure reflects the early-career phase and can seem significantly lower compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,563, which indicates a clear salary growth path as one gains experience. Over the course of the first few years, entry-level physical therapists can realistically expect their salaries to rise to $83,590 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach median pay as they develop their skills and build their patient base. Given its strategic location and the ongoing demand for physical therapy services in Commerce City, this market presents promising opportunities for recent DPT graduates.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
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 Commerce City
Entry-level physical therapists in Commerce City, CO typically start between $75,779 and $83,590 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,556 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,563 — 5.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $115,000 represents just 151.76% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,779/year) in Commerce City. 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 Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,779 to $83,590, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Commerce City, 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 Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City'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 Commerce City is $53,556 ( 70.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,779, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,335.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,559
2025 BLS Actual
$73,960
2026 Current Est.
$75,779
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,644 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,559 in 2019 to $73,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,644. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Several employers in the Commerce City area actively seek new grad physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, are common starting points, offering structured productivity models that can lead to bonuses based on performance. Hospital systems may provide robust residency programs designed to advance career credentials and enhance employment prospects through board certifications, while skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare often entice new graduates with higher starting salaries. To maximize earning potential, it's crucial for graduates to possess a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited institution, accurately pass the NPTE, and obtain a state PT license. Additionally, pursuing specialization through residency or fellowship programs and maintaining membership with the APTA can significantly elevate career trajectories. As reimbursement models become more stringent, understanding the financial dynamics surrounding productivity in this sector can be beneficial. Overall, realistic salary expectations in the first three years can vary, but consistent engagement in professional development ultimately leads to favorable outcomes in terms of both salary and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Commerce City in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Commerce City?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Commerce City?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Commerce City?
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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 Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City 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