Physical Therapist Salary in East Lansing, MI: $100,894 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in East Lansing, MI earns a median $100,894/year (≈ $48.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in East Lansing's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $108,255 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in East Lansing, Michigan are projected to reach a median of $100,894, slightly below the national median of $105,288. The local salary range spans from $81,217 at the 10th percentile to $133,239 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a varied market influenced by factors such as patient load and productivity demands. These estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS data and account for regional cost adjustments, impacting how much do physical therapists make in East Lansing. Understanding that high-volume clinics may prioritize quick patient turnover can shed light on the productivity pressures that shape compensation practices here, creating a unique dynamic in East Lansing's job market.
About the East Lansing Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,217 | $39.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,442 | $42.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,894 | $48.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,401 | $55.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,239 | $64.06 |
Median Salary Position
4.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Lansing
In East Lansing, MI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,022 (2026 est.). At $100,894, the local median is 4.17% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Lansing: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Lansing Physical Therapist Pay Compares
East Lansing median: $100,894/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Lansing Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $104,122 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.17% less |
Physical Therapists in East Lansing, MI earn a median of $100,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.17% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% below the Michigan state average of $104,122.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Lansing has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Lansing, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,894 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,255 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,708
2025 BLS Actual
$98,472
2026 Current Est.
$100,894
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,708 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,212 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,894 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Lansing metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,708 (2019) to $98,472 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,668 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Lansing 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) | $81,217 – $87,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,442 – $100,894 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,894 – $114,401 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,401 – $133,239 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in East Lansing
Currently, there are eight physical therapists employed in the East Lansing area, indicating a niche but stable market for this profession. With a cost of living index of 93.2, the purchasing power of physical therapist pay in East Lansing MI is relatively favorable compared to the national average, which presents a positive environment for job seekers. Leading employers in this region, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital-based rehab settings, tend to offer competitive salaries but may vary based on specifics such as productivity expectations and the adoption of cash-pay models over traditional insurance practices. To maximize pay in this local market, physical therapists might consider pursuing additional certifications like OCS or SCS, which can enhance their marketability and justify higher salary claims. Networking within the local community and exploring positions that balance productivity with quality care can also contribute to achieving better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
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 $98,472 for physical therapistsin the East Lansing 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 East Lansing 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