Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Medina, OH: $130,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Medina, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $130,796/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Medina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $144,207 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medina, Ohio, senior physical therapists with substantial experience can earn a top-tier annual salary of $130,796 in 2026, reflecting an attractive pay potential in the local market. The median salary of $101,490 demonstrates a significant experience premium for those who have honed their skills and expertise over a career spanning seven years or more. Achieving such a high level of compensation typically requires a commitment to advanced specialization and continuous professional development. Those who wish to break into the ranks of the top earners often pursue additional credentials, such as board certifications in orthopedic or sports therapy, which can make a substantial difference in salary negotiations and career advancement opportunities.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medina
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Medina earn between $119,106 and $130,796 per year (2026 est.). This $48,791 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medina median of $101,490 sits 3.61% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Medina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,490 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,106 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $130,796 | $138,464 |
In Medina, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 28.88% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Medina
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $101,490 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medina employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Medina command premium compensation, often reaching the $119,106–$130,796 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medina metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Medina with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Medina
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedina ranks #22 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $130,796).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Medina ($130,796) is 1.4% above the Ohio average P90 ($128,996).
2019 BLS Actual
$117,832
2025 BLS Actual
$127,656
2026 Current Est.
$130,796
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,071 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,014 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Medina saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $117,832 in 2019 to $127,656 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $134,014 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Medina
Specializations can heavily influence the senior physical therapist pay OH, with disciplines such as orthopedic, sports, and neurologic therapy commanding premium rates. Compensation also varies based on the type of employer; outpatient clinics, whether chains like Athletico or independent practices, typically offer different incentives than hospital-based or skilled nursing facilities. Those working in leadership roles, such as clinic directors or educators for residency programs, often have access to lucrative advancement paths that further enhance earning potential. Additionally, the blend of advanced credentials, like a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program and board specializations, combined with the evolving trends in insurance and cash-pay models, can drive overall compensation. Overall, while the experienced physical therapist salary in Medina presents attractive figures, the landscape of earnings is shaped not only by experience but also by strategic choices in specialization and employment type.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Medina in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Medina?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Medina?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Medina?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Medina?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $127,656 for physical therapists in the Medina metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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