Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Lawrence, IN: $76,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,831 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,152 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,489) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lawrence, Indiana presents a competitive opportunity for new physical therapists entering the workforce. In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist salary Lawrence graduates can expect to earn starts at $76,831. While this initial pay may seem low compared to the city’s median annual salary of $96,489, it sets a solid foundation for growth. With experience, entry-level therapists can anticipate a gradual increase in earnings that transitions to approximately $83,004 in the first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.46%, Lawrence proves to be a favorable market for new graduates seeking to start their careers in physical therapy.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level physical therapists in Lawrence, IN typically start between $76,831 and $83,004 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,602 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,489 — 8.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Indiana of $110,000 represents just 143.17% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,831/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,831 to $83,004, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $49,602 ( 64.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,831, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,433.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,385
2025 BLS Actual
$74,986
2026 Current Est.
$76,831
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,201 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,014 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,721 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,385 in 2019 to $74,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,721. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Employers in Lawrence who typically hire recent DPT graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, which offer structured productivity models. These facilities often operate under lower starting salaries but sweeten the deal with potential bonuses for heightened productivity. Hospital systems also stand out as good options, offering residency programs that can lead to board certification and higher earnings in the long term. To enhance starting physical therapist pay in Indiana, credentials such as a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successful completion of the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are essential. Furthermore, participation in continuing education and association membership with organizations like the APTA can provide opportunities for specialization and boost initial compensation. Realistically, early-career therapists can expect their salary trajectory to trend upwards significantly over the first three years, especially if they engage in continued education and explore various employer types within the state.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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