Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Clearfield, UT: $77,042 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,042 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,534 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,059) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the workforce as a physical therapist in Clearfield, Utah, in 2026 presents promising yet real expectations for new graduates. While the entry-level physical therapist salary in Clearfield is projected at $77,042, it's crucial for fresh professionals to recognize that this figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $97,059. Over the first few years, new therapists can realistically anticipate salary growth, moving from the starting rate to approximately $83,315 by the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within three to five years. With a growth rate of 2.46% annually, Clearfield currently appears to be a favorable market for emerging physical therapists, allowing new grads the chance to build foundational experience and financial stability in their early career stages.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level physical therapists in Clearfield, UT typically start between $77,042 and $83,315 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,853 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,059 — 7.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $100,000 represents just 129.80% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,042/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,042 to $83,315, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $49,853 ( 64.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,042, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,895.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,551
2025 BLS Actual
$75,192
2026 Current Est.
$77,042
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,551 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,366 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,042 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,937 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,551 in 2019 to $75,192 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,937. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
For recent doctoral graduates, understanding the employment landscape in Clearfield is essential for maximizing starting physical therapist salary opportunities. Prominent employers in the area include outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical, which typically hire new graduates and offer structured productivity ramps, albeit often with lower base salaries compared to hospital systems. These hospitals not only employ physical therapists but also provide residency programs, leading graduates toward board certification—an important credential for career advancement. Obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are foundational steps. Engaging in residency or fellowship programs can further boost earning potential, especially those aimed at board specializations such as OCS or SCS. In the first three years, new grads should set realistic salary growth expectations tied to their work settings and sign up for APTA involvement, which can enhance marketability in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Clearfield 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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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