Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Concord, NH: $85,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Concord, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,023 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,239 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,652) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Concord, NH, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $85,023 in 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $107,652, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. However, there is potential for salary growth within the first few years as early-career therapists can expect to move up to around $92,092 with experience, setting them on a pathway to reach or exceed the median salary range. Overall, Concord presents a favorable job market for new grads, especially given the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually in this sector, which bodes well for both job stability and salary increases over time.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level physical therapists in Concord, NH typically start between $85,023 and $92,092 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,218 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,652 — 2.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New Hampshire of $140,000 represents just 164.66% of the starting physical therapist pay ($85,023/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $85,023 to $92,092, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $55,218 ( 64.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,023, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,241.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,824
2025 BLS Actual
$82,982
2026 Current Est.
$85,023
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,692 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,115 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NH grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,824 in 2019 to $82,982 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,115. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
In Concord, various employers actively seek new physical therapy graduates to fill entry-level positions. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical are primary employers, often providing structured productivity ramps that help new practitioners build their caseloads. Hospital systems in the area also offer valuable residency programs that can enhance credentials and lead to board certification, giving early-career therapists an edge in the job market. To maximize starting salaries in New Hampshire, new graduates should focus on obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing state licensure. Participation in residency or fellowship programs, as well as APTA membership, can further enhance career prospects and pay. Entry-level salaries in this region generally see moderate growth, allowing newly licensed therapists to gradually increase their earnings as they build their experience, especially in light of the pressures on reimbursement models affecting productivity.
More salary data for Concord, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Concord in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Concord?
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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