Physical Therapist Pay

Indianapolis vs Munster: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Munster, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Indianapolis, IN
$106,323
$51.12/hr
Munster, IN
$92,799
$44.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndianapolis, INMunster, IN
Median Salary$106,323$92,799
Hourly Rate$51.12$44.61
Entry Level (P10)$79,704$75,076
25th Percentile$84,960$80,239
75th Percentile$119,407$107,745
Top Earner (P90)$127,829$116,316
Total Employed2,7904
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Indianapolis ($106,323) and Munster ($92,799) physical therapist salaries.IndianapolisMunsterMedian Salary$106,323$92,799Entry Level (P10)$79,704$75,076Top Earner (P90)$127,829$116,316US Median $105,288

Verdict

Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Munster.

The salary gap between Indianapolis and Munster is $13,524 (14.57%). Indianapolis's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $48,125,Munster spans $41,240. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Indianapolis
P10 (Entry)$79,704
P25$84,960
Median$106,323
P75$119,407
P90 (Top)$127,829
Munster
P10 (Entry)$75,076
P25$80,239
Median$92,799
P75$107,745
P90 (Top)$116,316

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($111,105 effective) pays 9.31% more than Munster ($101,642 effective).

Indianapolis
Nominal: $106,323
CoL Index: 95.696
Adjusted: $111,105
Munster
Nominal: $92,799
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $101,642

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Indianapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,323/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,829)
  • Larger job market (2,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,105)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Munster if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Indianapolis grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Munster over the same period.

Indianapolis, IN

+18.5%

$87,600 (2019) → $103,770 (2025)

Munster, IN

+17.2%

$77,286 (2024) → $90,571 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Indianapolis or Munster?

Indianapolis has a higher median physical therapist salary at $106,323/year, compared to Munster at $92,799/year — a difference of $13,524 (14.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Munster?

Indianapolis physical therapists earn $51.12/hr while Munster hygienists earn $44.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Munster as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Indianapolis and Munster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Indianapolis = $111,105, Munster = $101,642), job availability (2,790 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Indianapolis vs Munster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $79,704 in Indianapolis and $75,076 in Munster. The Indianapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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