Physical Therapist Salary in Pelham, AL: $91,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Pelham, AL earns a median $91,890/year (≈ $44.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $104,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the compensation for physical therapists reflects the unique dynamics of local healthcare settings. With a projected median salary of $91,890 for 2026, salaries range from $75,116 at the 10th percentile to $112,882 at the 90th percentile, indicative of varying pay scales influenced by workplace type. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, often favored for their patient volume, typically offer salaries that can be lower than those provided by established hospital systems, yet they may feature performance bonuses linked to productivity metrics. Local estimates from BLS state-level data show that the expected salary trends point toward a stable market, yet potential physical therapists must consider how shifts in reimbursement rates could affect both job availability and earnings potential.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,116 | $36.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,017 | $38.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,890 | $44.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,269 | $50.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,882 | $54.27 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,766 (2026 est.). At $91,890, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Pelham median: $91,890/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $99,341 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -12.73% less |
Physical Therapists in Pelham, AL earn a median of $91,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $99,341.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pelham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $91,890 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,539 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,059
2025 BLS Actual
$89,684
2026 Current Est.
$91,890
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,059 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,151 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $78,059 (2019) to $89,684 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,151 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,092 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,116 – $80,017 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,017 – $91,890 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,890 – $105,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,269 – $112,882 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Pelham
In the Pelham area, the employment landscape includes only four physical therapists, revealing a compact job market that may limit opportunities for newcomers. With a cost-of-living index at 87.9, therapists may find their purchasing power significantly impacted, as local salaries do not match the national median of $105,288 for the profession. Employers such as regional outpatient clinics and local hospital systems typically provide greater financial stability compared to skilled nursing facilities. The pay disparity is frequently influenced by several factors, including board certification incentives and productivity expectations that determine compensation structures. To maximize earnings in Pelham, physical therapists should consider seeking advanced certifications such as OCS or SCS, leveraging productive practice settings, and exploring opportunities in travel PT positions that may offer premium pay rates. Understanding local market dynamics can guide professionals towards optimizing their compensation strategies and career trajectories.
More salary data for Pelham, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $89,684 for physical therapistsin the Pelham metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pelham 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