Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Findlay, OH: $78,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Findlay, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,774 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Findlay's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,851 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,158) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Findlay, Ohio, new graduate physical therapists can expect to start their careers with salaries around $78,774, which places them at the lower end of the entry-level salary range for 2026. This figure represents a notable gap from the city’s median annual salary for physical therapists, which is projected to be $100,158. For those early in their careers, the salary trajectory can enhance gradually, with entry-level therapists moving toward the $85,437 mark as they gain experience. This growth aligns with the overall 2.46% annual increase anticipated in the profession over the next five years. Given these figures and the demand for physical therapy in the area, Findlay currently presents a promising market for new DPT graduates looking to establish themselves.
About the Findlay Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Findlay
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 Findlay
Entry-level physical therapists in Findlay, OH typically start between $78,774 and $85,437 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,772 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,158 — 4.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $115,000 represents just 145.99% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,774/year) in Findlay. 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 Findlay
- 1Research the Findlay market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,774 to $85,437, 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 Findlay, 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 Findlay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Findlay'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 Findlay is $47,772 ( 60.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,774, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,546.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,913
2025 BLS Actual
$76,883
2026 Current Est.
$78,774
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Findlay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,913 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,318 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,724 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,883 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,712 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Findlay, OH grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,913 in 2019 to $76,883 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,712. New graduates entering the Findlay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Findlay 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 Findlay
In Findlay, employers such as outpatient orthopedic chains and hospital systems are the primary sources of employment for new DPT graduates. Outpatient chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico frequently offer structured productivity ramps for new hires, although the pay can be lower than what hospital systems provide. Many local hospitals also feature residency programs that lead to board certification, which can further enhance a therapist’s credentials. Graduates with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program will need to pass the NPTE exam and obtain their state PT license. Investing in further training, such as a residency or fellowship for specializations like OCS or SCS, can significantly increase earning potential. It’s essential for new physical therapists to understand that salary growth typically accelerates in the first few years, influenced by both performance-driven incentives and the evolving reimbursement environment shaped by CMS policies.
More salary data for Findlay, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Findlay in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Findlay?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Findlay?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Findlay?
How do I become a physical therapist in Ohio?
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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 Findlay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Findlay 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