Physical Therapist Salary in Burien, WA: $109,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Burien, WA earns a median $109,418/year (≈ $52.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $101,879 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average physical therapist salary in Burien, WA, is projected to reach $109,418, slightly outperforming the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in the area spans from $84,666 at the 10th percentile to $148,001 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential based on varying levels of experience and specialization. These figures are derived from state-level estimates and regional price adjustments based on 2025 BLS data, underscoring the local job market's dynamics. As outpatient orthopedic clinics continue to dominate the field, those working within such facilities might find lower baseline pay but can boost their earnings through productivity bonuses that align with the increasing demands for efficiency and patient volume.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,666 | $40.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,820 | $44.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,418 | $52.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,956 | $63.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,001 | $71.16 |
Median Salary Position
3.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,335 (2026 est.). At $109,418, the local median is 3.92% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Burien median: $109,418/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $109,968 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +3.92% more |
Physical Therapists in Burien, WA earn a median of $109,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $109,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,418 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,879 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,948
2025 BLS Actual
$106,791
2026 Current Est.
$109,418
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,948 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,791 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,110 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $92,948 (2019) to $106,791 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,162 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $84,666 – $92,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,820 – $109,418 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,418 – $131,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,956 – $148,001 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Burien
While the projected compensation for physical therapists in Burien is competitive, it's essential to consider the local job market, which has eight physical therapists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Burien stands at 107.4, highlighting that while salaries are fairly attractive, the cost of housing and everyday expenses might impact take-home pay. Outpatient chains like Athletico and ATI often provide salaries that are initially lower than those found in hospital settings or skilled nursing facilities, but they frequently include performance-based incentives. Understanding pay disparities can be critical; for instance, physical therapists with board certifications such as OCS or SCS might enjoy higher compensation. Strategies to maximize earnings in Burien include seeking positions that offer opportunities for productivity bonuses, exploring cash-pay models, and considering roles in outpatient services that align with evolving industry trends, especially as reimbursement structures continue to shift.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Burien, WA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Burien?
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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 $106,791 for physical therapistsin the Burien 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 Burien 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