Physical Therapist Salary in Meridian, ID: $95,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Meridian, ID earns a median $95,737/year (≈ $46.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $100,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Meridian, Idaho are projected to reach a median annual salary of $95,737, reflecting a competitive earning potential compared to the national median of $105,288. Local salaries range from $73,528 at the 10th percentile to $129,570 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied earning opportunities across different employment settings. While outpatient orthopedic clinics often attract practitioners seeking flexibility, they typically offer lower pay than hospital systems, which tend to provide higher salaries but may have more demanding productivity expectations. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differentials, underscore the local job market's dynamics and incentivize physical therapists to consider individual practice models as they navigate their career paths in Meridian.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,528 | $35.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,169 | $39.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,737 | $46.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,650 | $53.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,570 | $62.30 |
Median Salary Position
9.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,042 (2026 est.). At $95,737, the local median is 9.07% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Meridian median: $95,737/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $95,355 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -9.07% less |
Physical Therapists in Meridian, ID earn a median of $95,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.07% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $95,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $95,737 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,459 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,326
2025 BLS Actual
$93,438
2026 Current Est.
$95,737
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,754 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,665 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,091 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,092 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $81,326 (2019) to $93,438 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,092 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,766 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $73,528 – $81,169 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,169 – $95,737 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,737 – $111,650 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,650 – $129,570 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Meridian
The job market for physical therapists in Meridian comprises approximately 30 professionals, revealing both the demand for services and the competitive nature of compensation. With a cost-of-living index of 95.3, physical therapist pay in Meridian, ID translates into favorable purchasing power compared to higher-cost regions. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic chains or hospital systems are significant players; outpatient venues can provide appealing income prospects through productivity bonuses, while skilled nursing facilities might offer more stable remuneration for therapists focusing on rehabilitation. Factors influencing the pay range include board certifications, clinic ownership stakes, and practice models, including cash-based versus insurance-based services. To maximize their salaries in this environment, physical therapists may pursue additional certifications, build strong referral networks, and consider opportunities in homes or under unique performance contracts.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $93,438 for physical therapistsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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