Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Savannah, GA: $80,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Savannah, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,913 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Savannah's local price level (BEA RPP 95.2 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,987 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Savannah, Georgia, the prospects look promising but come with realistic expectations. In 2026, the starting physical therapist salary in Savannah is projected to be around $80,913, which is significantly lower than the city median of $103,403. This creates a notable gap for new grads to consider, emphasizing the need for strategic planning in their early careers. While entry-level salaries may appear modest, there's potential for rapid growth. Over the first few years, earnings could rise to $89,171 at the 25th percentile and eventually approach the median with experience, reflecting the area's 2.46% growth rate. Savannah is indeed a viable market, especially as it offers numerous opportunities for motivated individuals seeking to establish a foothold in the physical therapy sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Savannah
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 Savannah
Entry-level physical therapists in Savannah, GA typically start between $80,913 and $89,171 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,254 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,403 — 1.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Georgia of $100,000 represents just 123.59% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,913/year) in Savannah. 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 Savannah
- 1Research the Savannah market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,913 to $89,171, 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 Savannah, 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 Savannah for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Savannah'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 Savannah is $52,254 ( 64.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,913, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,167.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,600
2025 BLS Actual
$78,970
2026 Current Est.
$80,913
2019–2027 Growth
+43.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,903 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Savannah, GA grew 37.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,600 in 2019 to $78,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,903. New graduates entering the Savannah job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savannah 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 Savannah
In Savannah, various employers are open to hiring new graduates, creating a range of options for those entering the field. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Athletico often recruit recently graduated Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT), providing structured productivity ramps that can enhance earnings potential over time. Hospital systems in the area may offer residency programs that lead to board certification, perhaps offering a pathway to higher starting pay. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehabilitation firms like Genesis and RehabCare tend to start salaries higher than their outpatient counterparts. For new grads to boost their earning potential in Georgia, obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE are critical. Pursuing optional residencies or board specializations (such as OCS or SCS) and engaging with the APTA can further enhance prospects. Given the historical context of outpatient chains consolidating and the tightening reimbursement models, aspiring physical therapists should prepare for a competitive and evolving environment, with realistic expectations of salary growth within their first three years in this market.
More salary data for Savannah, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Savannah in 2026?
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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 Savannah. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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