Physical Therapist Salary in Fairfield, CT: $103,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Fairfield, CT earns a median $103,773/year (≈ $49.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $96,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Fairfield, Connecticut, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $103,773, slightly lower than the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists is notable, with entry-level positions expected to earn around $81,201, while those at the higher end of the spectrum can earn as much as $141,361. These projections reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. As cash-pay models gain traction, particularly in sports and orthopedic settings, there is increased upward pressure on top-tier salaries, making the competitive landscape for physical therapist pay in Fairfield CT well-suited for practitioners who specialize and excel in these areas.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,201 | $39.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,787 | $42.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,773 | $49.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,758 | $57.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,361 | $67.96 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,160 (2026 est.). At $103,773, the local median is 1.44% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $103,773/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,567 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.44% less |
Physical Therapists in Fairfield, CT earn a median of $103,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $105,567.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,773 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,175 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,153
2025 BLS Actual
$101,281
2026 Current Est.
$103,773
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,404 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,153 (2019) to $101,281 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,172 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $81,201 – $88,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,787 – $103,773 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,773 – $119,758 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,758 – $141,361 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Fairfield
With only nine physical therapists currently employed in the Fairfield area, job competition is relatively low, presenting a unique opportunity for salary negotiation. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 107.9, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often incorporating productivity bonuses and options for board certification stipends to attract talent. The disparity in compensation is influenced by various factors, including productivity expectations driven by state reimbursement policies and patient load. For those aiming to maximize their physical therapist pay in Fairfield, focusing on continuing education for board certifications such as OCS or SCS, and exploring cash-pay practices can enhance earning potential in a market that is evolving rapidly.
More salary data for Fairfield, CT:
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 $101,281 for physical therapistsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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