Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kenmore, WA: $83,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,790 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,017 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Kenmore, Washington, the starting physical therapist salary is projected at $83,790 in 2026. While this figure is below the overall median annual salary for physical therapists in the city, which stands at $103,206, it lays the foundation for potential growth. New physical therapists can expect their earnings to increase noticeably within the first few years, moving from the entry-level to the 25th percentile at $89,452 before approaching the city median. Given the promising growth rate of 2.46% annually, Kenmore represents a solid opportunity for new graduates, particularly as they begin their careers amid evolving industry demands.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level physical therapists in Kenmore, WA typically start between $83,790 and $89,452 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,145 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,206 — 1.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $130,000 represents just 155.15% of the starting physical therapist pay ($83,790/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $83,790 to $89,452, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $46,145 ( 55.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,790, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,935.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,855
2025 BLS Actual
$81,778
2026 Current Est.
$83,790
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,851 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,855 in 2019 to $81,778 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,851. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
In the Kenmore area, various employers actively seek newly licensed physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic facilities, which tend to hire newly graduated DPTs while offering structured productivity ramps. Hospital systems in the region often provide residency programs leading to board certification, which can bolster one's professional credentials and starting salary. Additionally, skilled nursing facility rehabilitation firms, such as Genesis and RehabCare, often offer more competitive initial pay. Possessing a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and securing a state PT license are essential for entry into the profession in Washington. Engaging in optional residencies for board specialization, such as OCS or SCS, can further enhance earning potential during the formative years of practice. As entry-level professionals adapt to the pressures of productivity expectations alongside changing reimbursement landscapes, realistic salary growth in the first three years typically sees early-career PTs moving steadily toward higher income brackets, provided they leverage their continuing education and professional development effectively.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kenmore in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kenmore?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kenmore?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Kenmore?
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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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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