Physical Therapist Salary in Essex Junction, VT: $103,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Essex Junction, VT earns a median $103,020/year (≈ $49.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Essex Junction's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $99,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The 2026 median annual salary for physical therapists in Essex Junction, Vermont, is projected to be $103,020, which is slightly below the national median of $105,288. Salaries in the local market exhibit a range that spans from $79,291 at the 10th percentile to $131,049 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are influenced by data derived from 2025 BLS information, adjusted to account for regional cost variations. As cash-pay models gain traction in the physical therapy profession, especially among orthopedic specialists, top-end pay could see upward pressure, reflecting a broader trend that benefits experienced practitioners capable of attracting patients outside typical insurance frameworks.
About the Essex Junction Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,291 | $38.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,179 | $43.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,020 | $49.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,495 | $57.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,049 | $63.00 |
Median Salary Position
2.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Essex Junction
In Essex Junction, VT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,758 (2026 est.). At $103,020, the local median is 2.15% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Essex Junction: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Essex Junction Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Essex Junction median: $103,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Essex Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $109,016 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.15% less |
Physical Therapists in Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $103,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.15% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $109,016.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Essex Junction has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Essex Junction, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $103,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,536 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,514
2025 BLS Actual
$100,547
2026 Current Est.
$103,020
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,563 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Essex Junction metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,514 (2019) to $100,547 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,041 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Essex Junction 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) | $79,291 – $90,179 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,179 – $103,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,020 – $120,495 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,495 – $131,049 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Essex Junction
In Essex Junction, there are currently six physical therapists employed, indicating a niche yet stable job market for this occupation. With the cost of living index sitting at 103.5, professionals must navigate local economic realities that can impact take-home pay. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics—whether private practices like Athletico or larger chains—tend to offer competitive salaries, often complemented by productivity bonuses driven by billable units. The disparity in pay ranges can largely be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations and specialized board certifications like OCS or SCS, which can bring additional stipends. To maximize earnings in this specific market, physical therapists may benefit from pursuing cash-pay opportunities, engaging actively in continuing education to enhance their credentials, and aligning with high-demand specialties to boost both visibility and negotiation leverage.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Essex Junction, VT in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Essex Junction?
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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 $100,547 for physical therapistsin the Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction 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