Physical Therapist Salary in Stamford, CT: $106,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Stamford, CT earns a median $106,303/year (≈ $51.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Stamford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $98,520 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Stamford, CT, can anticipate a median annual salary of $106,303 in 2026, which represents a slight increase over the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession in Stamford varies significantly from $80,443 at the 10th percentile to $142,310 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse demands and potential earnings based on experience and setting. These figures are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, illustrating a robust market context driven by trends in cash-pay models for sports and orthopedic specialties. With an increasing number of clinics embracing this approach, top-end pay opportunities are expanding, making the Stamford job market increasingly attractive for aspiring physical therapists.
About the Stamford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,443 | $38.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,218 | $42.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,303 | $51.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,136 | $61.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,310 | $68.42 |
Median Salary Position
0.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stamford
In Stamford, CT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,867 (2026 est.). At $106,303, the local median is 0.96% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stamford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stamford Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Stamford median: $106,303/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stamford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,564 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +0.96% more |
Physical Therapists in Stamford, CT earn a median of $106,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.96% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% above the Connecticut state average of $105,564.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stamford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stamford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,303 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,520 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,303
2025 BLS Actual
$103,751
2026 Current Est.
$106,303
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,662 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,918 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stamford metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $90,303 (2019) to $103,751 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,918 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,615 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stamford 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) | $80,443 – $89,218 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,218 – $106,303 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,303 – $127,136 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,136 – $142,310 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Stamford
In Stamford, the local market strength is signified by the employment of 27 physical therapists, an indication of demand in this competitive landscape. With a cost of living index at 107.9, professionals need to be strategic about their compensation to ensure sufficient purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly private practices and chains like ATI and Athletico, typically offer competitive salaries, but those in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings often command higher pay due to the complexity of care provided. Factors that drive salary disparities include productivity expectations, board certification stipends (such as OCS and SCS), and variations in practice models between cash-pay and insurance reimbursements. Therapists aiming to maximize their earnings in Stamford should consider specializing further, pursuing board certifications, and investigating opportunities at facilities that prioritize patient visit volume while offering bonuses related to productivity.
More salary data for Stamford, 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 $103,751 for physical therapistsin the Stamford 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 Stamford 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