Physical Therapist Pay

Baltimore vs Hagerstown: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$108,413
$52.12/hr
Hagerstown, MD
$103,095
$49.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDHagerstown, MD
Median Salary$108,413$103,095
Hourly Rate$52.12$49.57
Entry Level (P10)$80,462$79,714
25th Percentile$97,091$88,064
75th Percentile$126,436$117,214
Top Earner (P90)$142,040$131,026
Total Employed2,050180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($108,413) and Hagerstown ($103,095) physical therapist salaries.BaltimoreHagerstownMedian Salary$108,413$103,095Entry Level (P10)$80,462$79,714Top Earner (P90)$142,040$131,026US Median $105,288

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Hagerstown is $5,318 (5.16%). Baltimore's median is +2.97% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $61,578,Hagerstown spans $51,312. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$80,462
P25$97,091
Median$108,413
P75$126,436
P90 (Top)$142,040
Hagerstown
P10 (Entry)$79,714
P25$88,064
Median$103,095
P75$117,214
P90 (Top)$131,026

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($109,476 effective) pays 5.51% more than Baltimore ($103,757 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $108,413
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $103,757
Hagerstown
Nominal: $103,095
CoL Index: 94.171
Adjusted: $109,476

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,413/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,040)
  • Larger job market (2,050 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Hagerstown if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,476)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Baltimore grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+13.3%

$93,430 (2019) → $105,810 (2025)

Hagerstown, MD

+28.7%

$78,200 (2019) → $100,620 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Baltimore or Hagerstown?

Baltimore has a higher median physical therapist salary at $108,413/year, compared to Hagerstown at $103,095/year — a difference of $5,318 (5.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Hagerstown?

Baltimore physical therapists earn $52.12/hr while Hagerstown hygienists earn $49.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Hagerstown as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Hagerstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $103,757, Hagerstown = $109,476), job availability (2,050 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Baltimore vs Hagerstown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,462 in Baltimore and $79,714 in Hagerstown. The Baltimore area offers higher starting salaries.
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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