Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kuna, ID: $75,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kuna, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,079 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kuna's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,782 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,241) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Kuna, Idaho, the starting salary can be quite modest compared to the city's overall median of $92,241. In 2026, an entry-level physical therapist can expect to earn around $75,079, which highlights a considerable gap between first-job expectations and the potential earnings for more experienced professionals. New graduates can anticipate a gradual increase in their salaries as they gain experience, moving from the lower deciles to the 25th percentile at about $80,554 within their first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, the Kuna market currently shows promise for those starting their careers, despite being slightly below the national median for entry-level positions.
About the Kuna Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kuna
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 Kuna
Entry-level physical therapists in Kuna, ID typically start between $75,079 and $80,554 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,212 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,241 — 12.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Idaho of $95,000 represents just 126.53% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,079/year) in Kuna. 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 Kuna
- 1Research the Kuna market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,079 to $80,554, 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 Kuna, 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 Kuna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kuna'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 Kuna is $44,212 ( 58.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,079, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,291.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,008
2025 BLS Actual
$73,276
2026 Current Est.
$75,079
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kuna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,348 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,926 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kuna, ID grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,008 in 2019 to $73,276 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,926. New graduates entering the Kuna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kuna 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 Kuna
Employers in Kuna that commonly hire newly graduated physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which provide structured productivity ramps for those just starting their careers. Hospital systems in the area often offer residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing the appeal to new graduates looking to advance quickly. Additionally, rehabilitation firms like Genesis and RehabCare may offer higher starting pay, making them attractive options for new professionals. To improve their starting pay, recent graduates should focus on obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from CAPTE-accredited programs, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license. Membership in organizations like APTA can also be beneficial for networking and professional development. As the industry evolves, aligning career strategies with market trends—especially considering the recent consolidation of outpatient services and the pressure of reimbursement cuts—will be crucial for early-career therapists in Kuna. Realistic growth during those initial years can yield steady salary increases, allowing new graduates to establish a strong foundation in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Kuna, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kuna in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kuna?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kuna?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Kuna?
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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 Kuna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kuna 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