Phoenix vs Lake Havasu City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,759 | $105,872▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.85 | $50.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,878▲ | $79,529 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,398▲ | $88,372 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,370▲ | $124,940 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,716 | $142,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,760▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City, AZ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Lake Havasu City is $113 (0.11%). 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 Phoenix spans $52,838,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 9.91% more than Phoenix ($102,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,102)
- ✓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 Phoenix grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$89,150 (2019) → $103,220 (2025)
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$87,930 (2019) → $103,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Phoenix or Lake Havasu City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Lake Havasu City?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Lake Havasu City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Phoenix vs Lake Havasu City?
Related Comparisons
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