Physical Therapist Salary in Federal Way, WA: $108,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Federal Way, WA earns a median $108,936/year (≈ $52.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $101,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Federal Way, Washington can expect a median annual salary of $108,936, which is slightly higher than the national median of $105,288, reflecting the area's economic dynamics. The salary range for this profession here spans from $81,616 at the 10th percentile to $144,910 at the 90th percentile. These estimates come from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, indicating a healthy demand for skilled professionals in this field. With an emerging trend towards cash-pay services in sports and orthopedic specialties, top-end salaries are likely influenced by these lucrative models, presenting promising financial opportunities for therapists willing to navigate this changing market.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,616 | $39.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,723 | $43.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,936 | $52.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,483 | $62.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,910 | $69.67 |
Median Salary Position
3.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,294 (2026 est.). At $108,936, the local median is 3.46% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $108,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $109,926 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +3.46% more |
Physical Therapists in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $108,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $109,926.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $108,936 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,430 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,539
2025 BLS Actual
$106,321
2026 Current Est.
$108,936
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $92,539 (2019) to $106,321 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,077 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $81,616 – $90,723 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,723 – $108,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,936 – $129,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,483 – $144,910 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Federal Way
The job market for physical therapists in Federal Way is relatively small, encompassing only 22 employed professionals. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that while salaries may seem more attractive, the purchasing power can be impacted by local expenses. Among the various employment options, outpatient orthopedic clinics, especially popular chains like ATI and Athletico, offer competitive pay but may also have stringent productivity expectations. Factors like productivity models, board certifications (such as OCS and SCS), and the increasing prevalence of cash-pay practices contribute to the significant pay disparities. Moreover, maximizing earning potential could involve pursuing specialized certifications or considering roles in higher-paying settings like inpatient rehab facilities or skilled nursing facilities. For physical therapists in Federal Way, strategizing their career path effectively can lead to enhanced financial outcomes in a competitive job landscape.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Federal Way?
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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 $106,321 for physical therapistsin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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