Physical Therapist Salary in Elyria, OH: $101,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Elyria, OH earns a median $101,764/year (≈ $48.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Elyria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $112,198 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Elyria, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for a physical therapist in 2026 is $101,764, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape for professionals in this field. This figure represents a modest decrease when compared to the national median of $105,288, suggesting differences in market conditions across the country. Salary options vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $76,920, while experienced practitioners can earn upwards of $131,657. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, account for local economic conditions and the cost of living in Elyria, which is notably lower than the national average. This disparity presents unique opportunities for physical therapists seeking to enhance their earnings potential while contributing to the region’s health care needs.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,920 | $36.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,959 | $40.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,764 | $48.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,131 | $57.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,657 | $63.30 |
Median Salary Position
3.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
In Elyria, OH, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,737 (2026 est.). At $101,764, the local median is 3.35% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elyria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elyria Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Elyria median: $101,764/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elyria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $105,346 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -3.35% less |
Physical Therapists in Elyria, OH earn a median of $101,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.35% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $105,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elyria 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.
Elyria, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $101,764 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,198 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,447
2025 BLS Actual
$99,321
2026 Current Est.
$101,764
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,964 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elyria metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,447 (2019) to $99,321 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,821 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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) | $76,920 – $84,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,959 – $101,764 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,764 – $119,131 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,131 – $131,657 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Elyria
With only 14 physical therapists employed in Elyria, job competition is relatively limited, yet steady demand exists due to the area's ongoing need for rehabilitation services. The cost of living index for Elyria stands at 90.7, indicating that while salaries may appear lower than the national averages, the actual purchasing power of physical therapists remains favorable in this locale. Outpatient orthopedic clinics such as ATI and Athletico lead the market in terms of compensation, particularly as they offer productivity bonuses and pay structures influenced by the cash-pay versus insurance models. The variability in salaries often hinges on factors like productivity benchmarks, board certifications (like OCS or SCS), and clinicians’ roles in management or ownership of their practices. For those aiming to maximize their physical therapist pay in Elyria, focusing on acquiring advanced certifications, pursuing positions in high-performing clinics, and leveraging cash-pay models may significantly enhance earning prospects, positioning them for future opportunities in a growing market.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $99,321 for physical therapistsin the Elyria 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 Elyria 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