Fort Collins vs Grand Junction: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Grand Junction, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Grand Junction, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,976 | $104,673▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.78 | $50.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,611 | $78,556▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,173 | $87,675▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,817 | $126,466▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,393 | $130,657▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 150 |
Verdict
Grand Junction, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Grand Junction is $15,697 (17.64%). Grand Junction's median is -0.58% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $58,782,Grand Junction spans $52,101. Fort Collins 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, Grand Junction ($109,633 effective) pays 24.61% more than Fort Collins ($87,984 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Junction if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,673/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,657)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,633)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fort Collins grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Grand Junction over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$78,030 (2019) → $86,840 (2025)
Grand Junction, CO
$88,330 (2019) → $102,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fort Collins or Grand Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Grand Junction?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Grand Junction as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fort Collins vs Grand Junction?
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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