Physical Therapist Pay

Avondale vs Lake Havasu City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Avondale, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avondale, AZ
$107,043
$51.47/hr
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$105,872
$50.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvondale, AZLake Havasu City, AZ
Median Salary$107,043$105,872
Hourly Rate$51.47$50.90
Entry Level (P10)$80,294$79,529
25th Percentile$88,904$88,372
75th Percentile$127,192$124,940
Top Earner (P90)$141,620$142,102
Total Employed14110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avondale ($107,043) and Lake Havasu City ($105,872) physical therapist salaries.AvondaleLake Havasu CityMedian Salary$107,043$105,872Entry Level (P10)$80,294$79,529Top Earner (P90)$141,620$142,102US Median $105,288

Verdict

Avondale and Lake Havasu City are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Avondale and Lake Havasu City is $1,171 (1.11%). Avondale's median is +1.67% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $61,326,Lake Havasu City spans $62,573. Lake Havasu City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Avondale
P10 (Entry)$80,294
P25$88,904
Median$107,043
P75$127,192
P90 (Top)$141,620
Lake Havasu City
P10 (Entry)$79,529
P25$88,372
Median$105,872
P75$124,940
P90 (Top)$142,102

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Havasu City ($112,512 effective) pays 3.53% more than Avondale ($108,673 effective).

Avondale
Nominal: $107,043
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $108,673
Lake Havasu City
Nominal: $105,872
CoL Index: 94.098
Adjusted: $112,512

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avondale if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,043/year)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Lake Havasu City if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($142,102)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,512)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Avondale grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.

Avondale, AZ

+10.3%

$94,711 (2024) → $104,473 (2025)

Lake Havasu City, AZ

+17.5%

$87,930 (2019) → $103,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Avondale or Lake Havasu City?

Avondale has a higher median physical therapist salary at $107,043/year, compared to Lake Havasu City at $105,872/year — a difference of $1,171 (1.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Lake Havasu City?

Avondale physical therapists earn $51.47/hr while Lake Havasu City hygienists earn $50.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avondale to Lake Havasu City as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avondale and Lake Havasu City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avondale = $108,673, Lake Havasu City = $112,512), job availability (14 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Avondale vs Lake Havasu City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,294 in Avondale and $79,529 in Lake Havasu City. The Avondale area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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