Physical Therapist Salary in Lancaster, OH: $104,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Lancaster, OH earns a median $104,620/year (≈ $50.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Lancaster's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $115,347 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Lancaster, OH are projected to show a median annual income of $104,620, which is slightly below the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $81,193 (P10) and top earners making up to $134,603 (P90). This broad range reflects the evolving landscape of physical therapy, particularly as cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists gain traction. Such shifts in practice models can positively influence top-end compensation as market demand for specialized services increases. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, with local adjustments accounting for regional economic conditions, underscoring the competitive nature of the job market in Lancaster.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,193 | $39.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,438 | $42.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,620 | $50.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,641 | $58.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,603 | $64.71 |
Median Salary Position
0.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lancaster
In Lancaster, OH, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,410 (2026 est.). At $104,620, the local median is 0.63% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lancaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lancaster Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Lancaster median: $104,620/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lancaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $105,357 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -0.63% less |
Physical Therapists in Lancaster, OH earn a median of $104,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $105,357.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lancaster 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.
Lancaster, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $104,620 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $115,347 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,873
2025 BLS Actual
$102,108
2026 Current Est.
$104,620
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,077 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lancaster metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,873 (2019) to $102,108 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,321 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lancaster 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) | $81,193 – $88,438 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,438 – $104,620 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,620 – $122,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,641 – $134,603 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Lancaster
With only seven physical therapists currently employed, the job market in Lancaster remains relatively small yet promising. The cost of living index stands at 90.7, suggesting that take-home pay might stretch longer here than in other regions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, especially those run by chains such as ATI and Athletico, are known to offer competitive salaries, but hospital systems often provide higher rates for inpatient rehab. Factors contributing to salary disparity include productivity expectations, the ability to bill for additional services, and opportunities for board certification stipends. Those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Lancaster may consider specializing in high-demand areas such as sports medicine or pursuing cash-pay models, which often afford greater financial flexibility. Being aware of these dynamics can help both new graduates and seasoned professionals enhance their earning potential in this region.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Lancaster, OH in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Lancaster?
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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 $102,108 for physical therapistsin the Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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