Physical Therapist Salary in Johnston, RI: $102,324 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Johnston, RI earns a median $102,324/year (≈ $49.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $101,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Johnston, Rhode Island, are projected to reach a median of $102,324, slightly lower than the national median of $105,288. This salary reflects a range from $83,272 at the 10th percentile to $132,316 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant earning potential for specialists in the area. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. The trend toward cash-pay models, especially among outpatient orthopedic specialists, is likely driving the top-end salaries, allowing practitioners to achieve higher compensation compared to traditional insurance-based practices. Given Johnston’s evolving healthcare market, there are promising opportunities for physical therapists looking to enhance their income.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,272 | $40.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,076 | $41.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,324 | $49.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,665 | $58.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,316 | $63.62 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,044 (2026 est.). At $102,324, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $102,324/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $105,816 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.82% less |
Physical Therapists in Johnston, RI earn a median of $102,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $105,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,324 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,815 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,922
2025 BLS Actual
$99,867
2026 Current Est.
$102,324
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,903 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,867 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,324 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,841 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,922 (2019) to $99,867 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,841 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,919 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $83,272 – $87,076 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,076 – $102,324 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,324 – $120,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,665 – $132,316 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Johnston
Despite being a relatively small market with only eight physical therapists employed, Johnston's job environment presents unique challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index stands slightly above the national average at 100.5, which can influence take-home wages, emphasizing the importance of finding higher-paying positions. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly those operated by chains like ATI and Athletico, tend to offer better compensation packages, often supplemented by productivity bonuses. Conversely, physical therapists in hospital settings may grapple with stringent productivity expectations, potentially impacting income. Factors such as board specialization certifications, clinic ownership stakes, and the choice between cash-pay versus insurance models can significantly affect earnings. Aspiring physical therapists should focus on obtaining specialized credentials and exploring diverse practice settings in Johnston to maximize their earning potential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $99,867 for physical therapistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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