Average Physical Therapists Salary in Boulder, CO
Physical Therapists in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $105,720, surpassing the national average of $102,240. This elevated compensation reflects Boulder's unique economic landscape and the specialized demand for skilled healthcare professionals within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $105,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $160,510.
- Outlook: Boulder's physical therapy job market demonstrates a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.47, suggesting a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 460 professionals, the demand appears robust, supporting a stable environment for current and prospective physical therapists.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Boulder, CO earns+3.4%above the national average.
$50.8
$2,033
$8,810
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that physical therapist salaries in Boulder, CO, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare demand and evolving compensation structures. This upward trajectory is likely driven by factors such as an aging population and a greater emphasis on rehabilitative care.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The career trajectory for Physical Therapists in Boulder, CO, typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and specialize, their earning potential escalates, reaching higher percentiles for senior and lead therapist roles, reflecting the value of accumulated knowledge and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $70,990 | $34.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $79,290 | $38.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,780 | $47.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $132,150 | $63.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $160,510 | $77.2 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$105,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $105,720 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This indicates that the purchasing power of a physical therapist's salary in Boulder is equivalent to that of the average American, meaning their earnings effectively cover standard living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
2.368
Per 1K Jobs
1.47
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.47, Boulder, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.47 signifies that Boulder, CO, has a notably higher concentration of physical therapists relative to its general workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these services and potentially a more competitive, yet rewarding, job market for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Physical Therapists Salary | $102,380↓ 3% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Physical Therapists Salary | $100,900↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Physical Therapists Salary | $93,240↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $98,920↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $95,220↓ 10% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Boulder, CO is $105,720. This typically ranges from $70,990 for entry-level positions to $160,510 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 3.4% higher than the national median of $102,240.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a lucrative place for Physical Therapists.Physical Therapists in Boulder earn an average of $105,720, which is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($102,380) and Greeley, CO.
How does the number of physical therapists in Boulder compare nationally?
Boulder has 2.368 physical therapists per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater concentration of the profession locally.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for physical therapists in Boulder?
A Location Quotient of 1.47 means that physical therapy jobs are 47% more concentrated in Boulder than the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized job market.
Does the cost of living in Boulder affect the value of a physical therapist's salary?
No, the cost of living in Boulder is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $105,720 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many physical therapists are employed in Boulder, CO?
There are approximately 460 physical therapists employed within the Boulder, CO, local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 2.368 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO