Physical Therapist Salary in Delaware, OH: $104,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Delaware, OH earns a median $104,007/year (≈ $50.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Delaware's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $114,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Delaware, OH, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $104,007, which is slightly lower than the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in this area spans from $79,688 at the 10th percentile to $128,665 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from data based on 2025 BLS information, adjusted for regional cost of living, which for Delaware is indexed at 90.7, indicating a lower-than-average living expense. The local job market, characterized by just seven employed physical therapists, reflects the demand and productivity expectations that drive compensation in this field, with effective hourly rates shaped by visit-per-day pressures.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,688 | $38.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,185 | $43.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,007 | $50.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,101 | $57.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,665 | $61.86 |
Median Salary Position
1.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Delaware
In Delaware, OH, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,977 (2026 est.). At $104,007, the local median is 1.22% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Delaware: You'd be above the median
How Delaware Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Delaware median: $104,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Delaware Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $105,377 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.22% less |
Physical Therapists in Delaware, OH earn a median of $104,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $105,377.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Delaware has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Delaware, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $104,007 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $114,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,352
2025 BLS Actual
$101,510
2026 Current Est.
$104,007
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,352 (2019) to $101,510 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,214 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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) | $79,688 – $91,185 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,185 – $104,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,007 – $119,101 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,101 – $128,665 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Delaware
While the salary data for physical therapist pay in Delaware, OH, appears competitive, it's essential to consider the local job market dynamics. The cost of living index of 90.7 allows for a relatively better purchasing power than many high-cost areas, which can enhance take-home earnings despite the salaries being below the national average. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those operated by Athletico and ATI, tend to offer competitive pay, particularly for physical therapists willing to meet high productivity benchmarks. Factors driving the disparity in salaries include board certifications like the OCS or SCS, clinic ownership stakes, and the growing trend toward cash-pay practices versus traditional insurance models. Those looking to maximize their earnings in Delaware should focus on enhancing their professional qualifications and consider the potential benefits of working in clinics with productivity bonuses, which could significantly boost their overall compensation.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Delaware, OH in 2026?
Is Delaware, OH a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Delaware?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Delaware?
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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 $101,510 for physical therapistsin the Delaware 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 Delaware 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