Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $81,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the North Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,715 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a physical therapist in North Kingstown, RI can yield an entry-level physical therapist salary of approximately $81,119 in 2026. This figure represents a starting income well below the city median salary of $101,487, highlighting the financial expectations that new graduates must navigate as they begin their careers. Early-career professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory that moves from the initial pay range to the 25th percentile, which is around $87,610, significantly enhancing their financial standing within the first few years. Given this upward movement, North Kingstown remains a viable market for new physical therapy graduates, particularly for those eager to build their skills in a supportive environment.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Kingstown
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 North Kingstown
Entry-level physical therapists in North Kingstown, RI typically start between $81,119 and $87,610 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,508 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,487 — 3.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Rhode Island of $145,000 represents just 178.75% of the starting physical therapist pay ($81,119/year) in North Kingstown. 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 North Kingstown
- 1Research the North Kingstown market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $81,119 to $87,610, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Kingstown, 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 North Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Kingstown's moderate 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 North Kingstown is $48,508 ( 59.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,627.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,756
2025 BLS Actual
$79,171
2026 Current Est.
$81,119
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,203 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,171 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,114 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in North Kingstown, RI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,756 in 2019 to $79,171 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,114. New graduates entering the North Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown
In North Kingstown, various employers actively recruit new graduates for physical therapy positions. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical generally offer entry-level opportunities with structured productivity ramps, which can lead to productivity bonuses in addition to base pay. Hospital systems may provide residency programs that pave the way for board certification, enhancing both credentials and salary potential. For new physical therapists in Rhode Island, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing state licensure are fundamental prerequisites. Additionally, pursuing optional residencies or fellowships can yield specialization credentials, which are increasingly sought after in a competitive marketplace that has seen consolidation among providers. With ongoing reimbursement pressures, starting salaries in this market can be modest, but diligent professionals can expect steady salary growth as they gain experience and navigate their early careers.
More salary data for North Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in North Kingstown in 2026?
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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 North Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Kingstown 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