Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Annapolis, MD: $84,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Annapolis, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,444 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Annapolis's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,259 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,561) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapists starting their careers in Annapolis, Maryland, the entry-level opportunities present a promising outlook. In 2026, the minimum starting salary is projected to be $84,444, which is considerably lower than the city median of $112,561. However, early-career therapists can expect a gradual increase in salary as they move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, reaching approximately $93,001 within just a couple of years. This upward trajectory indicates that the Annapolis job market remains favorable for new graduates, providing them a chance to grow both professionally and financially in the early stages of their practice.
About the Annapolis Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Annapolis
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 Annapolis
Entry-level physical therapists in Annapolis, MD typically start between $84,444 and $93,001 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,886 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,561 — 6.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Maryland of $125,000 represents just 148.03% of the starting physical therapist pay ($84,444/year) in Annapolis. 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 Annapolis
- 1Research the Annapolis market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $84,444 to $93,001, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Annapolis, 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 Annapolis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Annapolis'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 Annapolis is $63,886 ( 75.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,444, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,330.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,370
2025 BLS Actual
$82,417
2026 Current Est.
$84,444
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Annapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,556 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,522 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Annapolis, MD grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,370 in 2019 to $82,417 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,522. New graduates entering the Annapolis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Annapolis 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 Annapolis
New grad physical therapist pay in MD can vary significantly depending on the type of employer. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, tend to hire the majority of recent DPT graduates, offering structured productivity ramps and bonuses, though initial pay may be lower. In contrast, hospital systems often provide residency programs that lead to board certification, which can increase both pay and job marketability. For aspiring physical therapists, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are essential steps. Participation in optional residency or fellowship programs can also enhance earning potential. As therapists progress through the first few years of their careers, realistic salary growth expectations align with industry pressures, making continuous learning and specialization key elements for boosting financial success in this competitive field.
More salary data for Annapolis, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Annapolis in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Annapolis?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Annapolis?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Annapolis?
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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 Annapolis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Annapolis 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