Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Utica, NY: $63,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Utica, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,884 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Utica's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,931 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,044) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating from a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program opens the door to numerous opportunities in Utica, NY, where the anticipated starting physical therapist salary is around $63,884. This figure represents a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $88,044, suggesting that new graduates should manage expectations as they enter the workforce. Within the first three to five years, early-career professionals may see an upward trajectory to the 25th percentile salary of $78,279, offering a clearer picture of potential earnings in this market. Given that the region has a favorable growth rate of 2.46%, recent graduates might find Utica a conducive environment to establish their careers and enhance their skills.
Career Earnings Timeline in Utica
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 Utica
Entry-level physical therapists in Utica, NY typically start between $63,884 and $78,279 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,955 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,044 — 16.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $170,000 represents just 266.11% of the starting physical therapist pay ($63,884/year) in Utica. 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 Utica
- 1Research the Utica market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $63,884 to $78,279, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Utica, 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 Utica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Utica'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 Utica is $58,955 ( 92.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,884, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,839.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,950
2025 BLS Actual
$62,350
2026 Current Est.
$63,884
2019–2027 Growth
+14.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,455 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Utica, NY grew 9.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,950 in 2019 to $62,350 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,455. New graduates entering the Utica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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 Utica
In Utica, various employers actively seek new graduates to meet the demand for physical therapy services. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical are notable options as they frequently onboard new DPT graduates, providing structured productivity ramps that can eventually lead to higher earnings. Hospital systems in the area may also present advantageous opportunities, offering residency programs that can pave the way for board certification. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehabilitation firms tend to provide competitive starting pay. To maximize initial salaries, new physical therapists can enhance their qualifications through a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE exam, obtaining a state PT license, and considering further specialization through residency or fellowship training. In the evolving landscape of physical therapy, where productivity demands are heightened by recent reimbursement cuts, those who align with leading organizations and invest in ongoing education stand a better chance of progressing in both skill and income over their first few years.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Utica in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Utica?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Utica?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Utica?
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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 Utica. 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