Physical Therapist Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $105,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $105,699/year (≈ $50.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $105,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, RI, 2026 projections indicate that physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $105,699, slightly above the national median of $105,288, reflecting a competitive market. Salaries for this occupation can range significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $77,025, while the top 10% can earn up to $143,732. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. The productivity expectations play a vital role in shaping effective compensation structures, as the volume of patient visits per day directly influences earnings. Given the local job market, with 16 physical therapists currently employed in the area, prosperity in this field appears promising, particularly for those willing to engage in high-demand specialties.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,025 | $37.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,092 | $41.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,699 | $50.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,900 | $59.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,732 | $69.10 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,707 (2026 est.). At $105,699, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Pawtucket: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pawtucket Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $105,699/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $105,805 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +0.39% more |
Physical Therapists in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $105,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $105,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,699 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,173 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,789
2025 BLS Actual
$103,161
2026 Current Est.
$105,699
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,993 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,299 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $89,789 (2019) to $103,161 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,299 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,510 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $77,025 – $86,092 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,092 – $105,699 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,699 – $123,900 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,900 – $143,732 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Pawtucket
Analyzing local job market dynamics reveals a nuanced picture for those considering physical therapist pay in Pawtucket, RI. The area's cost-of-living index, slightly above average at 100.5, suggests that take-home purchasing power may be impacted by the expenses of daily life. Employers that typically pay the highest wages include outpatient orthopedic clinics, like those operated by ATI and Athletico, alongside hospital inpatient rehab facilities. Differences in salary often arise from factors like productivity expectations and additional qualifications, such as board certifications (OCS, SCS), which can carry stipends or incentives for higher productivity. For physical therapists looking to maximize their pay in Pawtucket, focusing on high-volume practices, pursuing specialty certifications, and exploring cash-pay models can be effective strategies to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Pawtucket, RI in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Pawtucket?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Pawtucket?
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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 $103,161 for physical therapistsin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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