Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado
Based on 6K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$102,030
$49.05/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
+0.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $132K
6K employed in Colorado
Physical Therapist salary in Colorado averages $102,030 per year, which matches the national average. The field employs approximately 5,630 workers across the state. Salaries for physical therapists in Colorado range from $76,460 at the lower end to $132,010 for experienced professionals, reflecting variations based on individual qualifications and work settings.
Several factors influence physical therapist compensation in Colorado, including years of experience, specialization areas, and employer type. Healthcare facilities, private practices, and sports medicine clinics may offer different pay structures. Geographic location within Colorado also plays a role, with urban centers like Denver potentially offering different opportunities than rural areas. Advanced certifications and clientele demographics can further impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,460 |
| 25th percentile | $83,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,030 |
| 75th percentile | $118,980 |
| 90th percentile | $132,010 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,920 |
| 2023 | $97,610 |
| 2024 | $100,240 |
| 2025 | $102,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,852 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $96,920 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $97,610 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $100,240 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $102,030 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,852 | $103,433 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $118,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,010 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Physical Therapist ($102,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +237.4% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +194.0% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +161.1% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +160.3% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +92.5% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +62.9% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +52.9% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +49.0% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +39.8% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +34.9% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +32.2% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +31.9% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Colorado?
- Physical therapists in Colorado earn a median salary of $102,030 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.4% difference compared to physical therapists nationwide.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Colorado?
- Physical therapist salaries in Colorado range from $76,460 at the lower end to $132,010 at the upper end, providing a spread of approximately $55,550 between entry-level and top-earning positions in the state.
How many physical therapists work in Colorado?
- There are currently 5,630 physical therapists employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial workforce in this healthcare profession throughout the state.
Is the physical therapist salary in Colorado competitive compared to the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's physical therapist median salary of $102,030 per year is competitive, exceeding the national average by 0.4%. This makes Colorado a favorable location for physical therapists seeking competitive compensation.