Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in St. George, UT: $59,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the St. George, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,652 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. George's local price level (BEA RPP 97.3 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,784) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
The entry-level physical therapist salary in St. George, UT, for new graduates in 2026 is projected to begin at approximately $59,652, which represents a considerable gap when compared to the overall median salary of $101,784 for physical therapists in the area. For those just starting in their careers, the salary trajectory is promising, with potential earnings increasing to $83,751 at the 25th percentile and aiming for the median as experience and expertise grow. Given the healthy job market and a projected annual growth rate of 2.46% over the next five years, St. George offers a favorable environment for recent graduates looking to embark on their physical therapy careers and build their expertise in the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. George
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 St. George
Entry-level physical therapists in St. George, UT typically start between $59,652 and $83,751 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,530 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,784 — 3.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Utah of $100,000 represents just 167.64% of the starting physical therapist pay ($59,652/year) in St. George. 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 St. George
- 1Research the St. George market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $59,652 to $83,751, 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 St. George, 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 St. George for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. George'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 St. George is $94,530 ( 158.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,652, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,182.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,570
2025 BLS Actual
$58,220
2026 Current Est.
$59,652
2019–2027 Growth
+40.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in St. George (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,120 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in St. George, UT grew 33.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,570 in 2019 to $58,220 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,120. New graduates entering the St. George job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. George 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 St. George
In St. George, various employers actively hire newly graduated physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical, which provide comprehensive productivity ramps for their teams. Additionally, local hospital systems often offer residency programs leading to board certification, while skilled nursing facilities may provide higher starting pay, appealing to individuals looking to begin their careers with a competitive salary. Credentials—including a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and securing a state PT license—are essential for entry-level positions. New grads may also consider applying for board specialization through optional residency or fellowship programs, which can elevate their starting pay. Early in their careers, physical therapists should focus on maximizing productivity in outpatient settings while adapting to industry trends, including reimbursement cuts from CMS that heighten productivity expectations. Realistic salary growth in the first few years often aligns with experience and the setting in which they work, positioning new graduates well for ongoing success in St. George's physical therapy landscape.
More salary data for St. George, 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 St. George. 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