Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Brunswick, GA: $81,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Brunswick, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,937 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 87.7 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $93,420 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,800) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field can expect starting salaries to be around $81,937 in Brunswick, Georgia, for the year 2026. While this figure may initially seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $105,800, there is a clear potential for growth in the early years of one’s career. Over the course of three to five years, a physical therapist's salary can advance significantly, as they gain experience and potentially move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile pay range of $93,915. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.46% for this sector, Brunswick represents a favorable market for new grads ready to embark on their careers, especially as they navigate the local job landscape where demand for physical therapy continues to grow.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level physical therapists in Brunswick, GA typically start between $81,937 and $93,915 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,238 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,800 — 0.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Georgia of $100,000 represents just 122.04% of the starting physical therapist pay ($81,937/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $81,937 to $93,915, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $48,238 ( 58.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,937, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,175.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,399
2025 BLS Actual
$79,970
2026 Current Est.
$81,937
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,202 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,953 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, GA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,399 in 2019 to $79,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,953. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Employers in Brunswick that commonly hire new graduate physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains and hospital systems, both of which offer unique entry-level opportunities. Facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico often welcome fresh graduates into structured productivity models, allowing for gradual ramp-ups in expectations. Meanwhile, local hospitals may provide residency programs that pave the way for advanced board specialization certifications like OCS or SCS, which can enhance earning potential. Those seeking roles in skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis or RehabCare, might find higher starting pay due to the specialized nature of rehabilitation services. New graduates in this field should prioritize building their credentials through rigorous continuing education and consider joining the APTA to stay current with industry standards. Realistic salary growth in the first three years will depend on the sector, skills acquired, and whether a graduate chooses a productivity-focused outpatient setting or a hospital environment with residency support.
More salary data for Brunswick, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a physical therapist in Georgia?
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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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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