Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Edmonds, WA: $138,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Edmonds, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $138,691/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Edmonds's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,135 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those seeking higher earning potential, the trajectory of experienced physical therapist salaries in Edmonds, Washington reveals significant opportunities. The senior physical therapist pay in WA for top earners is projected to reach a striking $138,691 in 2026, with a substantial portion of the salary range comprising professionals earning around $125,901. This premium on experience demonstrates a notable gap from the median salary of $106,601. Achieving top-tier pay in this competitive environment often necessitates advanced certifications, such as specialized board credentials (OCS, SCS) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT), which not only enhance expertise but also elevate marketability. Those who excel in outpatient markets or niche specializations tend to find themselves among the highest pay brackets, making strategic career moves essential to reach these financial milestones.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Edmonds earn between $125,901 and $138,691 per year (2026 est.). This $60,236 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmonds median of $106,601 sits 1.25% above the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmonds | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $106,601 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,901 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $138,691 | $138,464 |
In Edmonds, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 30.10% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Edmonds
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $106,601 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmonds employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Edmonds command premium compensation, often reaching the $125,901–$138,691 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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 Washington 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 Edmonds
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmonds ranks #27 of 50 Washington cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $138,691).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Edmonds ($138,691) is 3.04% below the Washington average P90 ($143,039).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,944
2025 BLS Actual
$135,361
2026 Current Est.
$138,691
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,944 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,361 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,103 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Edmonds saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $124,944 in 2019 to $135,361 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 $142,103 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Specialization plays a crucial role in determining compensation for senior physical therapists in Edmonds. Areas such as orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and neurologic therapy command premium pay, often attracting the highest salaries. Various employment settings, including outpatient clinics and hospital systems, influence earnings differently. For instance, while private practices may offer less base pay, productivity bonuses can substantially augment total income, especially given the push for higher output amid changing reimbursement landscapes. In terms of career advancement, experienced professionals can pursue positions such as clinic or regional director, and even contribute to academia through faculty roles in physical therapy programs. Pursuing advanced certifications enhances not just professional development but also compensation potential, making participation in APTA as a member advantageous. Additionally, non-salary benefits, such as flexible work conditions or ownership stakes in clinics, are increasingly important in attracting senior talent in this dynamic healthcare field in Edmonds.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Edmonds in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Edmonds?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Edmonds?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Edmonds?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Edmonds?
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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 $135,361 for physical therapists in the Edmonds 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 Edmonds 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