Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Ogden, UT: $76,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,507 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 100.3 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,610) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy workforce in Ogden, UT, can anticipate an entry-level salary starting around $76,507 in 2026. This figure, while lower than the city's median annual salary of $101,610, provides a solid foundation from which to grow. With experience, early-career therapists can expect to see their salaries increase towards the 25th percentile, approximately $80,042, within their first few years. Considering the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, the market in Ogden shows promising opportunities for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers in physical therapy. Given these figures, Ogden remains a favorable market for new physical therapists, especially those who are proactive in seeking positions and networking within the community.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ogden
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 Ogden
Entry-level physical therapists in Ogden, UT typically start between $76,507 and $80,042 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,095 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,610 — 3.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $100,000 represents just 130.71% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,507/year) in Ogden. 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 Ogden
- 1Research the Ogden market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,507 to $80,042, 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 Ogden, 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 Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ogden'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 Ogden is $63,095 ( 82.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,507, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,602.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,160
2025 BLS Actual
$74,670
2026 Current Est.
$76,507
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ogden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,389 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Ogden, UT grew 24.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,160 in 2019 to $74,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,389. New graduates entering the Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden 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 Ogden
As for employment opportunities, various health care providers in Ogden are known to hire recent DPT graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, are popular among newcomers, offering structured productivity ramps that can ultimately enhance earnings through performance-based bonuses. Additionally, local hospital systems often provide residency programs, which not only bolster credentials but also lead to board certification. For those exploring options within skilled nursing facilities like Genesis or RehabCare, starting pays may be even higher than typical outpatient settings. Enhancing credentials through a CAPTE-accredited DPT program, passing the NPTE, and obtaining state licensure are crucial steps. Pursuing additional specialization through residency or fellowship programs in fields such as OCS or SCS through APTA can further increase starting salaries and long-term prospects. Ultimately, physical therapists in Ogden can expect a gradual increase in their compensation as they gain experience, emphasizing the importance of strategically navigating the early career landscape to maximize initial earnings and professional growth.
More salary data for Ogden, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Ogden in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Ogden?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Ogden?
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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 Ogden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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