Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Elyria, OH: $76,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Elyria, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,920 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elyria's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,807 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,764) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the entry-level physical therapist salary is projected to begin at around $76,920 in 2026. For new graduates stepping into this field, this starting pay is lower than the city's median allocation of $101,764, reflecting the financial reality many face as they kickstart their careers. However, the pathway to higher earnings appears promising, with salaries expected to rise to approximately $84,959 in the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as one gains experience over the first three to five years. Despite being slightly below the national median, Elyria remains a reasonable market for new grad physical therapists seeking to establish their careers, especially within the framework of the state's burgeoning healthcare environment.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elyria
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 Elyria
Entry-level physical therapists in Elyria, OH typically start between $76,920 and $84,959 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,764 — 3.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $115,000 represents just 149.51% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,920/year) in Elyria. 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 Elyria
- 1Research the Elyria market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,920 to $84,959, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Elyria, 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 Elyria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elyria'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 Elyria is $54,737 ( 71.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,920, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,657.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,455
2025 BLS Actual
$75,073
2026 Current Est.
$76,920
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,828 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,512 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,812 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Elyria, OH grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,455 in 2019 to $75,073 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,812. New graduates entering the Elyria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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 Elyria
Employers in Elyria frequently opt to hire newly graduated physical therapists, creating various opportunities for recent DPTs. Outpatient orthopedic chains, like ATI and Select Medical, are among the most prominent, offering structured productivity ramps that can benefit new grads aiming for stability while building their practice. Additionally, larger hospital systems may provide residency programs that lead to board certification, paving the way for specialization and potentially higher starting salaries. Alternative options include skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, which often provide attractive compensation. To enhance employability and starting pay in Ohio, aspiring therapists should focus on obtaining their DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring state licensure. Early-career professionals should anticipate job roles emphasizing productivity, given that outpatient settings are grappling with reimbursement cuts from CMS, leading to increased expectations. Combining these credentials and continuing education with a strategy focused on securing solid mentoring opportunities can significantly improve salary growth prospects within the first three years.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Elyria in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Elyria?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Elyria?
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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 Elyria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elyria 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