Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Moscow, ID: $69,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,275 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,692 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,996) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moscow, Idaho, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy can expect a starting salary around $69,275 in 2026. This figure sets a foundation that represents a significant gap from the overall city median of $92,996 for all physical therapists. However, entry-level professionals can look forward to a growth trajectory that leads them toward the P25 salary of $76,473 within the first few years of employment and potentially even toward the median as they gain experience. Given that the market is projected to experience a robust annual growth rate of 2.46%, this is a favorable environment for newly minted physical therapists seeking their first positions in the field.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level physical therapists in Moscow, ID typically start between $69,275 and $76,473 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,465 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,996 — 11.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Idaho of $95,000 represents just 137.13% of the starting physical therapist pay ($69,275/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $69,275 to $76,473, 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 Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow'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 Moscow is $52,465 ( 75.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,275, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,740.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,447
2025 BLS Actual
$67,612
2026 Current Est.
$69,275
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,683 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,089 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,612 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,979 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,447 in 2019 to $67,612 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,979. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
Employers in Moscow that typically hire new grads include outpatient orthopedic clinics, which are prevalent and often provide structured productivity ramps to support new DPTs as they transition into the workforce. Organizations like hospital systems also present opportunities through residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing a new graduate's credentials. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities such as Genesis and RehabCare might offer higher starting pays, making them attractive options. To boost starting salaries in Idaho, securing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE national exam is essential. Early-career professionals should consider continuing education, including optional residency or fellowship programs for specialization and APTA membership for networking and resources. Over the first three years, realistic salary growth is achievable through a combination of performance in productivity-based models and accumulation of experience in various settings.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Moscow in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Moscow?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Moscow?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Moscow?
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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow 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