Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Clinton, UT: $76,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Clinton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,281 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, UT, new physical therapy graduates can expect to start their careers with an entry-level salary around $76,794 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $93,958, indicating a substantial gap to bridge as they gain experience. Over the initial few years, new graduates can anticipate gradual salary increases, progressing from the P10 level through to the P25 tier at $81,809, eventually reaching the median within 3-5 years. Given the state's generally lower cost of living index, coupled with an annual growth rate of 2.46%, the Clinton job market presents a moderately positive outlook for new therapists seeking entry-level positions.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level physical therapists in Clinton, UT typically start between $76,794 and $81,809 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,958 — 10.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $100,000 represents just 130.22% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,794/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,794 to $81,809, 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 Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton'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 Clinton is $42,063 ( 54.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,857.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,356
2025 BLS Actual
$74,950
2026 Current Est.
$76,794
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,982 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,683 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, UT grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,356 in 2019 to $74,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,683. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
New graduates in physical therapy should identify key employers in Clinton, as outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical typically hire most new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates into structured productivity-focused roles. Hospital systems often provide residency programs that can lead to board certification, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare may offer higher starting pay for entry-level roles. To optimize their starting physical therapist salary in Clinton, new grads are encouraged to complete a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program and obtain their state PT license. Pursuing optional residency or fellowship opportunities for specializations, such as Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), can further increase their marketability. First-year earnings may be modest, but with experience and additional credentials, it's realistic for therapists to see meaningful salary increases within the first few years of practice.
More salary data for Clinton, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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