Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Boise, ID: $68,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,123 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,483 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,867) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Boise, Idaho, can expect a starting salary around $68,123 in 2026, a figure that reflects the city's entry-level market conditions. This initial pay is notably lower than the overall median salary of $98,867 for physical therapists in the area, indicating a significant gap that new therapists will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, most entry-level physical therapists can realistically anticipate progressing toward the 25th percentile salary of $78,281 through dedication and skill enhancement, setting a solid foundation for future earnings. Boise's job market currently offers a favorable environment for recent graduates, aligning with a growth rate of 2.46% annually, which suggests steady opportunities for those just starting their careers in physical therapy.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
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 Boise
Entry-level physical therapists in Boise, ID typically start between $68,123 and $78,281 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,566 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,867 — 6.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Idaho of $95,000 represents just 139.45% of the starting physical therapist pay ($68,123/year) in Boise. 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 Boise
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $68,123 to $78,281, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise, 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 Boise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise'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 Boise is $65,566 ( 96.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,123, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,689.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,541
2025 BLS Actual
$66,487
2026 Current Est.
$68,123
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,798 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,541 in 2019 to $66,487 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,798. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise 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 Boise
Employers in Boise looking to hire new physical therapist graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical, known for structured productivity ramps that help ease the transition into the field. Hospital systems may provide residency programs that not only enhance clinical skills but also lead to board certification, making them an attractive option for new grads. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehabilitation companies like Genesis offer competitive starting pay, catering to early-career professionals seeking financial stability. To maximize earnings potential, graduates should consider further credentials such as obtaining board specialization and becoming involved with the APTA. As they start their careers, new physical therapists will find that while initial salaries may be modest, strategic choices concerning employment settings and continuous professional development can lead to rewarding growth in income within the first few years of practice.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Boise in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Boise?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Boise?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Boise?
How do I become a physical therapist in Idaho?
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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 Boise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise 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