Physical Therapist Salary in Kalispell, MT: $82,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Kalispell, MT earns a median $82,562/year (≈ $39.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $85,823 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, MT, the financial outlook for physical therapists is characterized by a median annual salary of $82,562, which reflects the local market conditions and regional price adjustments. Salaries range from $64,602 at the 10th percentile to $98,829 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a spectrum of pay based on experience, specialization, and employment settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected for 2026, indicate that while compensation is on the rise, it lags behind the national median of $105,288. Such disparities in physical therapist pay in Kalispell often relate to the productivity expectations within the healthcare environment and the increasing pressure to manage patient volumes effectively.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,602 | $31.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,055 | $33.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,562 | $39.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,731 | $44.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,829 | $47.51 |
Median Salary Position
21.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,227 (2026 est.). At $82,562, the local median is 21.58% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $82,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $86,453 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -21.58% less |
Physical Therapists in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $82,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.58% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $86,453.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $82,562 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,823 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,135
2025 BLS Actual
$80,580
2026 Current Est.
$82,562
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,981 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,834 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $70,135 (2019) to $80,580 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,458 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $64,602 – $70,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,055 – $82,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,562 – $92,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,731 – $98,829 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Kalispell
Employing four physical therapists, Kalispell’s local job market presents unique opportunities and challenges for professionals in the field. Its cost of living index stands at 96.2, signaling a slightly below-average living expense compared to national standards, which can enhance the purchasing power of residents earning a physical therapist salary in Kalispell. Employers that generally offer higher compensation include outpatient orthopedic chains like Athletico and Select Medical, as well as local hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, where productivity demands can vary significantly. Factors influencing salary differences encompass the number of patient visits per day, board certifications (like OCS and SCS), and the business model used, whether cash-pay or insurance-based. To maximize pay in this market, physical therapists should consider specializing, seeking advanced certifications, and staying informed about the ongoing shifts in reimbursement rates and productivity metrics within the industry.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Kalispell, MT in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Kalispell?
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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 $80,580 for physical therapistsin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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