Fort Collins vs Loveland: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Loveland, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,976▲ | $86,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.78▲ | $41.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,611 | $65,653▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,173▲ | $72,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,817▲ | $101,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,393▲ | $112,146 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 17 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Loveland is $2,132 (2.45%). Fort Collins's median is -15.49% 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,Loveland spans $46,493. 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, Fort Collins ($87,984 effective) pays 6.38% more than Loveland ($82,709 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,976/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,393)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,984)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Loveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (17 employed)
- ✓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 -10.2% growth in Loveland over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$78,030 (2019) → $86,840 (2025)
Loveland, CO
$94,357 (2024) → $84,759 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Loveland, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fort Collins or Loveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Loveland?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Loveland as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fort Collins vs Loveland?
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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