Physical Therapist Salary in Scarborough, ME: $100,053 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Scarborough, ME earns a median $100,053/year (≈ $48.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Scarborough's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $100,455 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scarborough, ME, the salary outlook for physical therapists in 2026 reflects both competitive earnings and the region's unique market pressures. With a projected median annual salary of $100,053, local salaries fall within a range from $78,588 at the lower tenth percentile to $119,615 at the upper ninety percentile. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data that have been adjusted for regional cost factors. The earning potential for physical therapists in Scarborough is somewhat below the national median of $105,288, indicating a regional variance likely influenced by local demand and productivity expectations, which continue to shape the compensation framework within the industry.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,588 | $37.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,730 | $42.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,053 | $48.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,284 | $53.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,615 | $57.51 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
In Scarborough, ME, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,027 (2026 est.). At $100,053, the local median is 4.97% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scarborough: You'd be above the median
How Scarborough Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Scarborough median: $100,053/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scarborough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $104,878 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.97% less |
Physical Therapists in Scarborough, ME earn a median of $100,053 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $104,878.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scarborough has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scarborough, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,053 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,455 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,993
2025 BLS Actual
$97,651
2026 Current Est.
$100,053
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,053 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scarborough metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,993 (2019) to $97,651 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,522 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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) | $78,588 – $88,730 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,730 – $100,053 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,053 – $112,284 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,284 – $119,615 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Scarborough
The job market for physical therapists in Scarborough features a relatively small cohort, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 99.6, suggesting that while earnings may not keep pace with the national average, they still offer a reasonable take-home purchasing power when adjusted for expenses. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico and home health agencies often lead in compensation, and taking advantage of board certifications could provide additional pay opportunities. Furthermore, the gap between lower and higher salaries in the region can be driven by productivity pressures, with clinic owners and those utilizing a cash-pay model typically earning more due to the ability to avoid insurance reimbursement delays. For physical therapists aiming to maximize their pay in Scarborough, focusing on certification and possibly engaging with private practice could enhance earning potential while navigating local professional trends effectively.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 $97,651 for physical therapistsin the Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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