Physical Therapist Salary in Kent, WA: $109,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Kent, WA earns a median $109,737/year (≈ $52.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $102,176 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in Kent, Washington can expect a median annual salary of $109,737 for physical therapists, surpassing the national median of $105,288 by approximately 4.23%. The projected salary range for this occupation spans from $83,455 at the 10th percentile to $151,669 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the compensation landscape influenced by local factors such as employer type. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer lower pay compared to hospital-rehabilitation settings, which may provide higher salaries and more comprehensive benefits. Understanding these distinctions is critical for aspiring physical therapists as they make informed decisions regarding their career paths in Kent.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,455 | $40.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,329 | $44.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $109,737 | $52.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,818 | $64.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,669 | $72.92 |
Median Salary Position
4.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,214 (2026 est.). At $109,737, the local median is 4.23% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Kent median: $109,737/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $109,957 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +4.23% more |
Physical Therapists in Kent, WA earn a median of $109,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.23% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $109,957.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $109,737 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,176 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,219
2025 BLS Actual
$107,102
2026 Current Est.
$109,737
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,849 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,923 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,139 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,436 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $93,219 (2019) to $107,102 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,436 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,217 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $83,455 – $92,329 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,329 – $109,737 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $109,737 – $133,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,818 – $151,669 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Kent
Despite a modest workforce of 33 physical therapists in Kent, the local job market remains competitive but favorable, supported by a cost of living index of 107.4, which indicates higher living expenses than the national average. This figure can affect take-home pay and purchasing power for physical therapists in the area. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic chains and hospitals often drive the pay scale, with hospital inpatient rehab roles generally commanding higher compensation due to more extensive responsibilities and better funding. The pay spread reflects various factors including clinical productivity expectations, board certifications like OCS or SCS, and the differences in practice models between cash-pay versus insurance. To maximize earnings, physical therapists in Kent may consider seeking roles in higher-paying specialties, pursuing advanced certifications, and exploring opportunities within high-volume clinics that offer bonuses for productivity. This targeted approach can significantly enhance their career potential and financial stability in a dynamic job market.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Kent, WA in 2026?
Is Kent, WA a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Kent?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Kent?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Kent?
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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 $107,102 for physical therapistsin the Kent 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 Kent 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