Physical Therapist Salary in River Falls, WI: $96,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in River Falls, WI earns a median $96,595/year (≈ $46.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in River Falls's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $103,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in River Falls, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $96,595. This figure illustrates a relatively competitive compensation landscape, especially when considering the salary range from $73,806 at the 10th percentile to $122,280 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the notable cash-pay trend that is emerging within the sports and orthopedic specialties. This focus on top-tier service can elevate pay for skilled practitioners, making positions in this niche particularly lucrative. Understanding the local job market dynamics can help aspiring physical therapists effectively navigate their career paths in River Falls.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,806 | $35.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,163 | $40.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,595 | $46.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,611 | $54.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,280 | $58.79 |
Median Salary Position
8.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in River Falls
In River Falls, WI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,474 (2026 est.). At $96,595, the local median is 8.26% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in River Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How River Falls Physical Therapist Pay Compares
River Falls median: $96,595/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | River Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $102,543 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -8.26% less |
Physical Therapists in River Falls, WI earn a median of $96,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.26% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $102,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
River Falls has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
River Falls, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $96,595 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,421 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,056
2025 BLS Actual
$94,276
2026 Current Est.
$96,595
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,056 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,478 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,971 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the River Falls metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $82,056 (2019) to $94,276 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,971 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,915 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the River Falls 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) | $73,806 – $84,163 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,163 – $96,595 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,595 – $112,611 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,611 – $122,280 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in River Falls
For those considering a career in physical therapy in River Falls, it’s essential to appreciate the local job market's context. Currently, there are about 5 physical therapists employed in the area, indicating a relatively tight but focused employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the purchasing power for residents is slightly below the national average, meaning salaries stretch further compared to higher-cost areas. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and sports medicine facilities typically offer the highest pay among local employers. Variability in salaries can be influenced by factors such as productivity expectations—often measured in units per visit—and specialized board certifications like OCS or SCS that might command stipends. Therapists who can adeptly integrate cash-pay models while managing productivity can significantly enhance their earning potential in this market. Networking with established practitioners and exploring diverse practice settings can provide valuable insights into maximizing physical therapist pay in River Falls, WI.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
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 $94,276 for physical therapistsin the River Falls 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 River Falls 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