Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Glens Falls, NY: $76,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Glens Falls, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,784 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glens Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.9 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,939 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,536) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Glens Falls, NY, can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary starting around $76,784. This initial compensation aligns below the city’s median salary of $98,536, presenting a noticeable gap for new professionals. As they accumulate experience over the first three to five years, these entry-level therapists may see their salaries rise to approximately $82,152 by reaching the 25th percentile before possibly achieving the median income as their careers develop. Glens Falls remains a promising job market for new PT graduates, particularly with the projected growth rate of 2.46%, indicating a steady demand for physical therapy services in the area.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glens Falls
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 Glens Falls
Entry-level physical therapists in Glens Falls, NY typically start between $76,784 and $82,152 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,502 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,536 — 6.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in New York of $170,000 represents just 221.40% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,784/year) in Glens Falls. 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 Glens Falls
- 1Research the Glens Falls market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,784 to $82,152, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Glens Falls'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 Glens Falls is $50,502 ( 65.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,784, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,286.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,060
2025 BLS Actual
$74,940
2026 Current Est.
$76,784
2019–2027 Growth
+31.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Glens Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,672 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Glens Falls, NY grew 24.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,060 in 2019 to $74,940 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,672. New graduates entering the Glens Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls
When looking for employment opportunities in Glens Falls, recent graduates often find promising positions with various employers catering to new licenses. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical typically hire many DPT grads, providing structured programs that include productivity incentives. Additionally, larger hospital systems may offer residency programs that prepare new hires for board certification, enhancing their credentials and attracting better starting salaries. In New York, holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited institution, passing the NPTE national exam, and obtaining state licensure are essential. For those considering advanced career strategies, pursuing residency or fellowship opportunities can lead to specialty board certifications, such as Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), which can significantly increase one's competitive edge and earning potential during the early years of practice. The evolving market and reimbursement structures indicate that while starting salaries may be modest, a focused approach can lead to growth and improved pay, particularly in this fast-evolving field.
More salary data for Glens Falls, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Glens Falls in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Glens Falls?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Glens Falls?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Glens Falls?
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 Glens Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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