Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Longmont, CO: $79,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Longmont, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,343 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longmont's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,035) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Longmont, Colorado, the anticipated entry-level physical therapist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $79,343. While the city’s median salary stands at $101,035, this disparity highlights the typical trajectory for those starting their careers. Over the first few years, new physical therapists in Longmont can expect their earnings to grow, with a potential increase to around $86,581 in their first three to five years. Given the robust demand for healthcare professionals in the area, Longmont presents a promising job market for fresh graduates, allowing them to build crucial experience while aiming for higher compensation as they advance in their careers.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longmont
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 Longmont
Entry-level physical therapists in Longmont, CO typically start between $79,343 and $86,581 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,089 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,035 — 4.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Colorado of $115,000 represents just 144.94% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,343/year) in Longmont. 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 Longmont
- 1Research the Longmont market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,343 to $86,581, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longmont'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 Longmont is $55,089 ( 69.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,343, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,432.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,360
2025 BLS Actual
$77,438
2026 Current Est.
$79,343
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,775 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,295 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Longmont, CO grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,360 in 2019 to $77,438 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,295. New graduates entering the Longmont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont 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 Longmont
Employers in Longmont that actively hire recent graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains and hospital systems, which often provide structured programs to facilitate professional development. Facilities like Genesis and RehabCare may also offer competitive salaries for those just starting out. Pursuing credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited institution, passing the NPTE exam, and obtaining a state license are essential steps for newcomers. Furthering one's education through residency programs can lead to board certifications that enhance career prospects and salaries. As starting physical therapist pay in CO hinges significantly on the type of facility and the volume of patient cases, new graduates should strategically consider their options, particularly the balance between private practices known for productivity bonuses and hospital systems which offer more stability during the initial career phase.
More salary data for Longmont, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Longmont in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Longmont?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Longmont?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Longmont?
How do I become a physical therapist in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Longmont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longmont 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