Arvada vs Fort Collins: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,091▲ | $88,976 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.52▲ | $42.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,108▲ | $64,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,320▲ | $82,173 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,701▲ | $109,817 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,073▲ | $123,393 |
| Total Employed | 31 | N/A |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $16,115 (18.11%). Arvada's median is -0.19% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $54,965,Fort Collins spans $58,782. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arvada ($100,087 effective) pays 13.76% more than Fort Collins ($87,984 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,091/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,073)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,087)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Arvada grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.3% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$99,988 (2024) → $102,568 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$78,030 (2019) → $86,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Arvada or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Fort Collins as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Arvada vs Fort Collins?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov