Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $86,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,103 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,170 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,320) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Lake Stevens, Washington, the entry-level physical therapist salary is projected to start around $86,103 in 2026. This initial pay for fresh graduates represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $106,320. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can expect salary growth as they gain experience, moving from the initial level towards the P25 figure of $92,859, eventually reaching the median as they develop their skills. Given the favorable growth trajectory of 2.46% annually, Lake Stevens presents a solid opportunity for new graduates to establish their careers in a market that is evolving positively.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens
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 Lake Stevens
Entry-level physical therapists in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $86,103 and $92,859 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,126 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,320 — 0.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $130,000 represents just 150.98% of the starting physical therapist pay ($86,103/year) in Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens
- 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $86,103 to $92,859, 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 Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens is $45,126 ( 52.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,103, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,229.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,673
2025 BLS Actual
$84,036
2026 Current Est.
$86,103
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,673 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,209 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,221 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,673 in 2019 to $84,036 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,221. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
Candidates in Lake Stevens should target specific employers that are most responsive to new graduates in the profession. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as ATI and Select Medical, frequently hire entry-level physical therapists and may offer structured productivity ramps that help in professional development. Conversely, hospital systems often have residency programs, allowing new graduates to gain valuable certifications and guidance from experienced professionals. To enhance earning potential, it is advisable for new PTs to ensure they hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE national exam, and obtain a state PT license. Engaging in continuing education, like board specialization in orthopedics (OCS) or sports (SCS), can also elevate starting pay. The first few years in this field may involve wage adjustments based on productivity metrics imposed by the evolving healthcare reimbursement models.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Lake Stevens in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Lake Stevens?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lake Stevens?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Lake Stevens?
How do I become a physical therapist in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens 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