Auburn Hills vs Lansing: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Auburn Hills, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn Hills, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,682 | $101,753▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.88 | $48.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,988 | $77,511▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,795 | $85,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,918▲ | $105,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,649▲ | $121,108 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn Hills.
The salary gap between Auburn Hills and Lansing is $71 (0.07%). Lansing's median is -3.36% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn Hills spans $57,661,Lansing spans $43,597. Auburn Hills has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn Hills ($109,101 effective) pays 1.85% more than Lansing ($107,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,649)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,101)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,753/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Auburn Hills grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Auburn Hills, MI
$83,721 (2024) → $99,241 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$86,880 (2019) → $99,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn Hills, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Auburn Hills or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn Hills and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Auburn Hills to Lansing as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Auburn Hills vs Lansing?
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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