Danbury vs New Haven: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Danbury, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Danbury, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,493 | $105,534▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.72 | $50.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,833 | $86,077▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,467 | $96,446▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,891▲ | $117,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,139▲ | $131,682 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 610▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Danbury.
The salary gap between Danbury and New Haven is $41 (0.04%). New Haven's median is +0.23% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Danbury spans $57,306,New Haven spans $45,605. Danbury 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, New Haven ($100,932 effective) pays 3.24% more than Danbury ($97,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Danbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,139)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,534/year)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,932)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Danbury grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Danbury, CT
$96,080 (2019) → $102,960 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$92,440 (2019) → $103,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Danbury, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Danbury or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Danbury and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Danbury to New Haven as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Danbury vs New Haven?
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