Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Freeport, NY: $71,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Freeport, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,297 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Freeport's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,516 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,294) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist salary in Freeport, NY, is projected to be around $71,297 annually, which is significantly lower than the overall city median salary of $91,294. This gap highlights the reality that while entry-level positions can provide a solid foundation, they require time and experience to bridge the gap to the median. For new graduates navigating their early careers, it's reasonable to expect a growth trajectory as they progress from the initial pay scale, moving through the P25 figure of $77,503 to reach the median as they accumulate skills and expertise over the first few years. Freeport presents a viable market for fresh graduates, as the demand for physical therapists continues to grow, albeit with competitive salary structures that reflect the broader economic landscape and the cost of living in the area.
About the Freeport Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Freeport
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 Freeport
Entry-level physical therapists in Freeport, NY typically start between $71,297 and $77,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,455 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,294 — 13.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $170,000 represents just 238.44% of the starting physical therapist pay ($71,297/year) in Freeport. 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 Freeport
- 1Research the Freeport market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $71,297 to $77,503, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Freeport, 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 Freeport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Freeport's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Freeport is $43,455 ( 60.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,297, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,036
2025 BLS Actual
$69,585
2026 Current Est.
$71,297
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Freeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,308 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,259 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,585 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,051 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Freeport, NY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,036 in 2019 to $69,585 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,051. New graduates entering the Freeport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Freeport 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 Freeport
Employers in Freeport primarily include outpatient clinics, which typically hire new graduates for their structured onboarding processes and productivity expectations. Facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico are notable players in this field, though they may offer lower starting salaries compared to hospital systems that provide residency programs leading to further credentials. In this competitive environment, obtaining a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE national exam are essential steps. Additional continuing education, such as residency or fellowship programs for specialization (like OCS or SCS), can help boost initial salary offers. Given the pressure from reimbursement cuts and the evolving practice models—especially the cash-pay versus insurance dynamics—new grads will find that proactive career strategies, including pursuing APTA membership for networking and professional development, can positively influence their career trajectories and salary expectations within the first few years.
More salary data for Freeport, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Freeport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Freeport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Freeport?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Freeport?
How do I become a physical therapist in New York?
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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 Freeport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Freeport 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