Physical Therapist Salary in Murray, KY: $92,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Murray, KY earns a median $92,975/year (≈ $44.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $104,115 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Murray, Kentucky, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $92,975, which indicates a notable 11.69% lower compensation than the national median of $105,288. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $77,775 and the highest 90% pulling in $116,397. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted based on regional cost factors. The small pool of just four physical therapists in Murray reflects a tight job market, and productivity expectations in a setting that prioritizes visits per day may impact effective hourly pay.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,775 | $37.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,251 | $39.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,975 | $44.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,586 | $51.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,397 | $55.96 |
Median Salary Position
11.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,622 (2026 est.). At $92,975, the local median is 11.69% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Murray median: $92,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $99,439 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -11.69% less |
Physical Therapists in Murray, KY earn a median of $92,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $99,439.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $92,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,115 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,981
2025 BLS Actual
$90,743
2026 Current Est.
$92,975
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,981 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,841 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,743 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $78,981 (2019) to $90,743 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,281 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $77,775 – $82,251 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,251 – $92,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,975 – $107,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,586 – $116,397 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Murray
The cost of living index in Murray, KY, stands at 89.3, slightly below the national average, suggesting that the take-home purchasing power can be significantly affected by local living expenses. Outpatient orthopedic clinics—such as those operated by larger chains like Athletico—often provide competitive compensation but usually factor in productivity bonuses that can influence overall earnings. Variances in pay stem from several factors, including the location of practice, board certifications like OCS or SCS, and whether the clinic operates on a cash-pay basis or through insurance. To maximize pay in this specific job market, physical therapists should consider obtaining specialized certifications, focusing on maximizing patient visits, and exploring opportunities in environments with less reliance on insurance, where higher salaries can be negotiated.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Murray, KY in 2026?
Is Murray, KY a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Murray?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Murray?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Murray?
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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 $90,743 for physical therapistsin the Murray 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 Murray 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