Physical Therapist Salary in Middletown, DE: $98,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Middletown, DE earns a median $98,934/year (≈ $47.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $97,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The anticipated median annual physical therapist salary in Middletown, Delaware, is projected to be $98,934 in 2026, reflecting the local market's dynamics in a setting where productivity expectations are pivotal. With a salary range spanning from $77,654 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $121,611 at the upper end (90th percentile), the earning potential showcases the variability depending on various factors such as clinical settings and patient caseloads. These estimates are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, accompanied by adjustments that account for regional cost differences and living conditions. As local therapists strive to meet productivity benchmarks, understanding potential earnings becomes essential for those entering or advancing in this field.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,654 | $37.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,810 | $40.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,934 | $47.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,091 | $54.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,611 | $58.46 |
Median Salary Position
6.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, DE, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,957 (2026 est.). At $98,934, the local median is 6.03% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middletown Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Middletown median: $98,934/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $107,072 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.03% less |
Physical Therapists in Middletown, DE earn a median of $98,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $107,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,934 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,280 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,043
2025 BLS Actual
$96,559
2026 Current Est.
$98,934
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,043 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,518 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,043 (2019) to $96,559 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,325 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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) | $77,654 – $83,810 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,810 – $98,934 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,934 – $113,091 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,091 – $121,611 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Middletown
Examining the job market reveals that Middletown currently employs six physical therapists, presenting an interesting scenario for job seekers. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, including well-known chains like Athletico and ATI, are prevalent in the area and generally provide competitive salaries, although they may offer lower base pay compared to hospital systems. Factors contributing to the salary spread include productivity demands—many clinics expect a specified number of visits per day, and board certifications can yield stipends that enhance earnings. To maximize their compensation, physical therapists in Middletown should consider pursuing additional certifications like the OCS or SCS, exploring roles in cash-pay models that can circumvent reimbursement pressures, and staying agile in a landscape where service delivery models are evolving.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Middletown, DE in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Middletown?
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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 $96,559 for physical therapistsin the Middletown 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 Middletown 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