Physical Therapist Salary in Springfield, MO: $99,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Springfield, MO earns a median $99,663/year (≈ $47.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.6), that paycheck buys what $112,506 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Missouri state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Springfield, Missouri, can anticipate a median annual salary of $99,663, which reflects a competitive position within the larger healthcare market. The projected salary range extends from $77,716 at the 10th percentile to $120,001 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earnings based on experience and specialization. Derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, these figures showcase a landscape where productivity expectations play a crucial role in shaping compensation packages. This dynamic is further emphasized by the local demand for qualified therapists, making Springfield a viable option for healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers in a growing market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,716 | $37.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,654 | $39.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,663 | $47.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,421 | $53.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,001 | $57.70 |
Median Salary Position
5.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, MO, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,285 (2026 est.). At $99,663, the local median is 5.34% below the national median of $105,288.
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How Springfield Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Springfield median: $99,663/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $102,218 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -5.34% less |
Physical Therapists in Springfield, MO earn a median of $99,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.50% below the Missouri state average of $102,218.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 11.42% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, MO has a cost-of-living index of 88.585 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $99,663 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,506 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.89% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,320
2025 BLS Actual
$97,270
2026 Current Est.
$99,663
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 11.4% from $87,320 (2019) to $97,270 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,795 (16.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $77,716 – $82,654 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,654 – $99,663 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,663 – $110,421 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,421 – $120,001 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Springfield
The employment market for physical therapists in Springfield consists of approximately 410 professionals, indicating a robust demand for rehabilitation services. With a cost-of-living index of 88.585, the purchasing power in Springfield can be more favorable compared to other regions, allowing residents to make their salary stretch further. High-paying employers often include hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities and specialized outpatient clinics, including chains like ATI and Athletico, though these may offer lower base salaries compared to hospital systems. Factors such as productivity expectations, internal stipends for board certifications (like OCS and SCS), and ownership opportunities can create notable disparities in physical therapist pay in Springfield, MO. To maximize earnings, therapists may consider capitalizing on cash-pay models or enhancing their skill sets through specialization, which can yield higher compensation opportunities, particularly within private practice settings.
More salary data for Springfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Springfield, MO in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Springfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Springfield?
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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 $97,270 for physical therapistsin the Springfield 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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