Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Youngstown, OH: $121,579 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Youngstown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $121,579/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Youngstown's price premium (BEA RPP 87.4, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $139,116 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced physical therapists in Youngstown, Ohio, can command median annual salaries of approximately $99,601, with top earners reaching up to $121,579. This represents a notable advantage for senior professionals in the region, especially given that this top-tier pay exceeds the national average for similar positions, where the median is estimated at $105,288. The gap between median and high-end salaries reflects the experience premium often associated with those who have more than seven years in the field. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires advanced credentials, board specialization, and a robust patient portfolio that demonstrates effectiveness in clinical practice.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Youngstown earn between $105,022 and $121,579 per year (2026 est.). This $46,056 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Youngstown median of $99,601 sits 5.4% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Youngstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,601 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,022 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $121,579 | $138,464 |
In Youngstown, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 22.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Youngstown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $99,601 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Youngstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Youngstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,022–$121,579 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Youngstown
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedYoungstown ranks #61 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $121,579).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Youngstown ($121,579) is 5.75% below the Ohio average P90 ($128,996).
2019 BLS Actual
$114,010
2025 BLS Actual
$118,660
2026 Current Est.
$121,579
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,579 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,570 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Youngstown saw their compensation grow 4.1% from $114,010 in 2019 to $118,660 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 $124,570 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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 Youngstown
The senior physical therapist pay landscape in Youngstown is influenced significantly by specializations. Roles focusing on orthopedics, sports, and neurological conditions often attract higher salaries due to the complex skills required and the growing demand for such expertise. Furthermore, compensation varies across different employer types; those working in outpatient orthopedic clinics or hospital settings might find themselves on opposite ends of the pay scale, with private practices generally offering less than large hospital systems. Advancement is also possible through various roles such as clinic director or faculty positions in DPT programs, which often necessitate additional credentials like a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and board certifications. Factors like productivity expectations and cash-pay models versus insurance reimbursement also impact overall compensation, making it essential for seasoned therapists to navigate these areas strategically to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Youngstown in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Youngstown?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Youngstown?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Youngstown?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Youngstown?
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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 $118,660 for physical therapists in the Youngstown 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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