Physical Therapist Salary in Boulder, CO: $104,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Boulder, CO earns a median $104,950/year (≈ $50.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Boulder's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.2), that paycheck buys what $99,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the expected compensation for physical therapists is quite competitive, with a projected median annual salary of $104,950 for 2026. Those just entering the field can anticipate a starting salary around $79,868, while experienced professionals can command up to $170,586, according to data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys. This wide range reflects the rising trend of cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists, which is influencing top-end pay over time. Interestingly, the local figures come in slightly lower than the national median of $105,288, making Boulder's job market both appealing and challenging for physical therapists looking to maximize their earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,868 | $38.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,833 | $42.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,950 | $50.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,151 | $59.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,586 | $82.02 |
Median Salary Position
0.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boulder
In Boulder, CO, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,718 (2026 est.). At $104,950, the local median is 0.32% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boulder: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boulder Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Boulder median: $104,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boulder Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $102,590 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -0.32% less |
Physical Therapists in Boulder, CO earn a median of $104,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.30% above the Colorado state average of $102,590.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boulder has a cost of living 5.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boulder, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.202 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,950 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,760 — a 4.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,880
2025 BLS Actual
$102,430
2026 Current Est.
$104,950
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boulder metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.0% from $89,880 (2019) to $102,430 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,652 (19.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boulder 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) | $79,868 – $88,833 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,833 – $104,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,950 – $124,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,151 – $170,586 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Boulder
With 480 physical therapists employed in Boulder, the local job market is robust, though it comes with a cost-of-living index of 105.202, indicating that housing and services may be pricier than in many other regions. For those aiming for higher physical therapist pay in Boulder, prevailing employers include outpatient orthopedic clinics—both private and national chains like Athletico—and hospital systems, which typically offer more extensive benefits along with potential productivity bonuses. Factors such as board certification stipends and the profit potential from cash-pay models can significantly influence overall earnings. To optimize salary, professionals might consider specializing (like obtaining an OCS or SCS), exploring travel PT options, or focusing on clinics that offer ownership equity. Understanding these nuances is essential for maximizing take-home pay in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Boulder, CO in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Boulder?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Boulder?
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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 $102,430 for physical therapistsin the Boulder 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
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