El Mirage vs Lake Havasu City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between El Mirage, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Mirage, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,541 | $105,872▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.29 | $50.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,439 | $79,529▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,870▲ | $88,372 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,086 | $124,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,376 | $142,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Mirage.
The salary gap between El Mirage and Lake Havasu City is $3,331 (3.25%). Lake Havasu City's median is +0.55% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Mirage spans $57,937,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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Havasu City ($112,512 effective) pays 8.08% more than El Mirage ($104,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Mirage if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,872/year)
- ✓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 El Mirage grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.
El Mirage, AZ
$90,728 (2024) → $100,079 (2025)
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$87,930 (2019) → $103,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Mirage, AZ
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: El Mirage or Lake Havasu City?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Mirage and Lake Havasu City?
Should I relocate from El Mirage to Lake Havasu City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in El Mirage vs Lake Havasu City?
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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