Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Dearborn, MI: $80,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Dearborn, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,888 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dearborn's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,959) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field in 2026, the entry-level physical therapist salary in Dearborn, Michigan, presents an initially steady earning potential. Starting salaries typically fall at $80,888, which may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $104,959 for all physical therapists in the city. This gap indicates that new graduates in Dearborn can expect to work their way up towards the median salary in the early years of their career, with projections suggesting a gradual growth trajectory. By the time they reach 3-5 years of experience, the growth from the entry-level position to the 25th percentile ($86,842) signifies that Dearborn remains a competitive environment for those entering the profession, particularly as the region also undergoes a consistent growth rate of 2.46%.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dearborn
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn
Entry-level physical therapists in Dearborn, MI typically start between $80,888 and $86,842 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,386 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,959 — 0.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Michigan of $110,000 represents just 135.99% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,888/year) in Dearborn. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dearborn
- 1Research the Dearborn market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,888 to $86,842, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dearborn, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dearborn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dearborn's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Dearborn is $61,386 ( 75.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,888, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,274.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,574
2025 BLS Actual
$78,946
2026 Current Est.
$80,888
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,574 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,952 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,214 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,946 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,878 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Dearborn, MI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,574 in 2019 to $78,946 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,878. New graduates entering the Dearborn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Dearborn
In Dearborn, various employers are open to hiring recently graduated Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, offering different opportunities that may influence earnings and career development. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical are prominent in the area, often providing structured productivity ramps, although they may offer lower starting salaries compared to hospital systems that feature residency programs geared toward board certification. Skilled nursing facility rehab companies, such as Genesis and RehabCare, may present attractive starting pay packages. To maximize earning potential from the start, new grads should emphasize obtaining a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and applying for a state PT license, as these credentials enhance job prospects. Furthermore, considering optional specialties such as OCS or SCS through a residency may elevate one's market value. For those in their first few years, salary expectations can vary widely, influenced by the employer type and the adaptation to productivity expectations shaped by recent reimbursement trends from CMS. As such, aspiring physical therapists should be strategic in their job search and consider pursuing diverse opportunities within the Dearborn market.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Dearborn in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Dearborn?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Dearborn?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Dearborn?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dearborn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov