Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Mason, OH: $79,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Mason, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,578 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,608) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason, Ohio, recent graduates entering the physical therapy field can anticipate starting wages around $79,433 in 2026. Although this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $100,608 for physical therapists in the area, it provides a solid foundation for new professionals. With realistic salary increases projected from $86,360 at the 25th percentile to locally competitive higher ranges, early-career therapists have the potential to close the gap towards the city’s median within their first few years. Given the growth trajectory of 2.46% annually, Mason presents a moderately favorable market for new graduates, combining accessible job opportunities with a manageable cost of living index of 90.7, which is below the national average.
About the Mason Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason
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 Mason
Entry-level physical therapists in Mason, OH typically start between $79,433 and $86,360 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,541 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,608 — 4.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Ohio of $115,000 represents just 144.78% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,433/year) in Mason. 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 Mason
- 1Research the Mason market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,433 to $86,360, 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 Mason, 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 Mason for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason'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 Mason is $48,541 ( 61.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,431
2025 BLS Actual
$77,526
2026 Current Est.
$79,433
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Mason (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,387 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Mason, OH grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,431 in 2019 to $77,526 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,387. New graduates entering the Mason job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason 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 Mason
Employers in Mason looking to hire new physical therapy graduates include a variety of healthcare settings, with outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico being prominent players. These facilities typically establish structured productivity expectations, which are vital for new hires to understand. Hospital systems often provide residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing career prospects for new DPT graduates. Furthermore, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare usually offer competitive starting pay. To maximize their earning potential, recent graduates should focus on obtaining their DPT degree from CAPTE-accredited programs, passing the NPTE exam, and securing a state PT license. While outpatient chains may predominantly pay less than hospitals, pursuing optional residencies can lead to board specialization and positively impact salary growth in the first few years. Realistically, new grads can expect to see their earnings increase steadily as they develop their skills and experience in the evolving landscape of healthcare within OH.
More salary data for Mason, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Mason in 2026?
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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 Mason. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason 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