Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Pasco, WA: $82,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Pasco, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,720 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pasco's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,020 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Pasco, Washington, can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary starting at around $82,720. While this figure falls short of the city's median salary of $107,258, it reflects a realistic outlook for those just beginning their careers. As new grads transition into their roles, they can anticipate gradual salary increases, reaching about $90,781 within a few years as they gain experience and competence. The trajectory from the entry-level range to the median highlights that Pasco offers a moderately favorable job market for physical therapists, with ample opportunity for growth given the projected 2.46% annual increase in salaries.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pasco
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 Pasco
Entry-level physical therapists in Pasco, WA typically start between $82,720 and $90,781 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,830 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,258 — 1.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $130,000 represents just 157.16% of the starting physical therapist pay ($82,720/year) in Pasco. 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 Pasco
- 1Research the Pasco market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $82,720 to $90,781, 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 Pasco, 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 Pasco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pasco'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 Pasco is $57,830 ( 69.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,720, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,550.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,014
2025 BLS Actual
$80,734
2026 Current Est.
$82,720
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,557 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,734 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,755 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Pasco, WA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,014 in 2019 to $80,734 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,755. New graduates entering the Pasco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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 Pasco
Employers in Pasco actively seek new graduates, particularly from outpatient orthopedic chains that often serve as a common entry point for first-time DPTs. These settings generally provide structured productivity ramps that facilitate professional development. Notably, local hospital systems may offer residency programs designed to lead to board certification, while skilled nursing facilities such as Genesis or RehabCare tend to offer higher starting pay. Holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program is essential for establishing a competitive position. The pursuit of additional credentials, such as optional residencies or board specialization, can further enhance earning potential. In the first three years, early-career therapists in Pasco can expect steady growth in their salaries, bolstered by the increasing importance of productivity and patient outcomes that characterize the current market.
More salary data for Pasco, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Pasco in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Pasco?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Pasco?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Pasco?
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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 Pasco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pasco 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