Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Springfield, MO: $77,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Springfield, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,716 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 88.6 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,730 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,663) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Springfield, Missouri, new graduates embarking on their physical therapy careers can anticipate an entry-level salary of approximately $77,716 in 2026. This figure represents a notable starting point, although it falls behind the city’s median annual salary for physical therapists, which is projected at $99,663. As entry-level professionals gain experience and skills, they can expect to see their compensation grow, with potential earnings reaching around $82,654 within the first few years. Given the cost of living index in Springfield, which is below the national average, this entry-level physical therapist salary may provide a reasonable standard of living while also offering significant room for advancement. The city's healthcare landscape, paired with an annual growth rate of 2.46%, makes Springfield an inviting market for new grads looking to start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level physical therapists in Springfield, MO typically start between $77,716 and $82,654 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,663 — 5.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Missouri of $105,000 represents just 135.11% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,716/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,716 to $82,654, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $42,285 ( 54.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,716, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,001.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,510
2025 BLS Actual
$75,850
2026 Current Est.
$77,716
2019–2027 Growth
+48.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,628 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, MO grew 41.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,510 in 2019 to $75,850 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,628. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
For those looking to secure a position in Springfield, several employers actively hire entry-level physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, dominate the hiring landscape, often providing structured productivity ramps that allow new graduates to develop their skills while earning. Hospital systems in the area frequently offer residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing long-term career prospects and pay. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehab firms like Genesis and RehabCare may offer higher starting salaries but often require adaptability in treatment approaches. By obtaining a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE national exam, new graduates position themselves favorably. Engaging in continuing education or residency programs for board specialization can further elevate new grad physical therapist pay in MO. Alongside the potential for bonuses in productivity-focused settings, entry-level professionals should aim for realistic salary expectations that reflect gradual growth in their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Springfield in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Springfield?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Springfield?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Springfield?
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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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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