Physical Therapist Salary in Smyrna, TN: $100,956 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Smyrna, TN earns a median $100,956/year (≈ $48.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $109,974 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, the evolving trend toward cash-pay models for sports and orthopedic specialists is influencing the compensation landscape for physical therapy professionals. The 2026 median annual salary for this role is projected to be $100,956, which positions it slightly below the national median of $105,288, reflecting a variance of approximately 4.11%. The salary range for physical therapists in this market runs from $75,508 at the 10th percentile to $129,351 at the 90th percentile. Data sourced from 2025 BLS figures and adjusted for regional price parity highlights the competitive nature of this job market, particularly as the demand for specialized services continues to grow in Smyrna.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,508 | $36.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,683 | $40.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,956 | $48.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,949 | $57.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,351 | $62.18 |
Median Salary Position
4.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,843 (2026 est.). At $100,956, the local median is 4.11% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $100,956/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $99,857 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.11% less |
Physical Therapists in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $100,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $99,857.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,956 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,974 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,760
2025 BLS Actual
$98,532
2026 Current Est.
$100,956
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,699 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,607 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,367 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,532 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,956 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,439 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,760 (2019) to $98,532 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,439 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,679 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $75,508 – $83,683 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,683 – $100,956 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,956 – $119,949 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,949 – $129,351 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Smyrna
Examining the local job market reveals that only 12 physical therapists are currently employed in Smyrna, creating a niche environment with specific compensation dynamics. Despite a lower cost of living index at 91.8, which enhances overall take-home purchasing power for professionals, salaries may vary widely depending on the type of practice. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly those affiliated with large groups like Athletico, might offer slightly lower base pay but provide opportunities for productivity bonuses and other incentives. Factors such as board certification stipends, clinic ownership equity, and the choice between cash-pay versus insurance models significantly affect earning potential. Physical therapists aiming to maximize their pay in Smyrna should consider pursuing further specialization, enhancing productivity, and exploring opportunities within sports medicine or travel PT roles to tap into higher compensation tiers.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
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 $98,532 for physical therapistsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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