Physical Therapist Salary in Waldorf, MD: $115,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Waldorf, MD earns a median $115,456/year (≈ $55.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Waldorf's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $105,632 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waldorf, Maryland, the average physical therapist salary stands at $115,456, positioning the area slightly above the national median of $105,288 for 2026. With a salary range from $84,949 to $146,175, these estimates reflect compensation levels adjusted for local cost factors. The demand for physical therapists in Waldorf is influenced by trends in cash-pay sports and orthopedic rehabilitation services, which often lead to higher earnings for those specializing in these areas. As practices increasingly adopt cash-pay models, particularly among outpatient orthopedic clinics, top earners in Waldorf can see substantial increases to their overall compensation packages. This dynamic landscape attracts both seasoned practitioners and new graduates eager to carve out a successful career.
About the Waldorf Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,949 | $40.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,649 | $45.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,456 | $55.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,124 | $65.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,175 | $70.28 |
Median Salary Position
9.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waldorf
In Waldorf, MD, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,226 (2026 est.). At $115,456, the local median is 9.66% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Waldorf: You'd be above the median
How Waldorf Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Waldorf median: $115,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waldorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $115,111 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | +9.66% more |
Physical Therapists in Waldorf, MD earn a median of $115,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.66% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.30% above the Maryland state average of $115,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waldorf has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waldorf, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,632 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,078
2025 BLS Actual
$112,684
2026 Current Est.
$115,456
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Waldorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,078 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,799 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,296 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waldorf metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $98,078 (2019) to $112,684 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,296 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,218 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waldorf 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) | $84,949 – $94,649 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,649 – $115,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,456 – $136,124 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,124 – $146,175 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Waldorf
Beyond the statistical averages, the job market for physical therapists in Waldorf comprises about 15 professionals, which indicates a competitive yet stable employment environment. The local cost of living index, which sits at 109.3, suggests that while salaries may be above national averages, they are also tempered by higher living expenses, thereby impacting take-home purchasing power. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics can offer lucrative positions, often complemented by bonuses tied to productivity and performance metrics. Factors like board certifications in specialties (OCS, SCS) or ownership stakes can also drive salary variations within the community. For physical therapists in Waldorf, strategies such as aligning with cash-based practices and pursuing further professional development can significantly enhance earning potential, making this a key consideration for career advancement in the region.
More salary data for Waldorf, MD:
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 $112,684 for physical therapistsin the Waldorf 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 Waldorf 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