Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Murray, UT: $77,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Murray, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,038 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Murray's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,530 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,841) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Utah, new graduates entering the physical therapy field can anticipate a starting salary of around $77,038 in 2026. This entry-level figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $106,841, positioning early-career physical therapists at roughly 72% of the median. While this may seem modest, there is room for salary growth as new hires typically progress from the P10 to the P25, with expected earnings potentially reaching $86,408 within the first few years. Given the city’s lower-than-average cost of living index at 98.1, Murray presents a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish their careers without overwhelming living expenses.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Murray
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 Murray
Entry-level physical therapists in Murray, UT typically start between $77,038 and $86,408 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $67,222 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,841 — 1.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $100,000 represents just 129.81% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,038/year) in Murray. 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 Murray
- 1Research the Murray market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,038 to $86,408, 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 Murray, 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 Murray for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Murray'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 Murray is $67,222 ( 87.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,038, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,260.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,548
2025 BLS Actual
$75,188
2026 Current Est.
$77,038
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,548 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,303 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,933 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Murray, UT grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,548 in 2019 to $75,188 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,933. New graduates entering the Murray job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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 Murray
Several employers in Murray actively recruit new physical therapy graduates, with outpatient orthopedic chains being the most significant hire. These establishments often implement structured productivity ramps that allow recent DPT grads to build their caseloads while becoming acclimated to the demands of clinical practice. Additionally, local hospital systems provide residency programs that lead to board certification opportunities, enhancing a therapist's qualifications and earning potential. Credentials such as a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE exam, and acquiring a state PT license are essential for entering the field. Engaging in continuing education and seeking board specializations (like OCS or SCS) can further elevate a therapist's starting pay. In the first three years of practice, salary adjustments may see gradual increases as therapists establish themselves in the field, navigate productivity expectations, and align with the current trends of reimbursement pressures from CMS.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Murray in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Murray?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Murray?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Murray?
How do I become a physical therapist in Utah?
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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 Murray. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray 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