Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Edmonds, WA: $78,455 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,455 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,049 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,601) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist salary in Edmonds, WA, presents a competitive option for new graduates entering the field. With entry-level positions starting around $78,455, fresh DPT graduates can reasonably expect to earn slightly below the city median of $106,601. This initial disparity highlights an upward trajectory in earnings, as entry-level therapists can advance to approximately $93,449 within the first few years, eventually reaching the median salary with experience and productivity improvements. Given the area’s growth rate of 2.46%, Edmonds stands out as an attractive market for newly licensed physical therapists, particularly because job stability in healthcare offers promising prospects as graduates build their careers.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
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 Edmonds
Entry-level physical therapists in Edmonds, WA typically start between $78,455 and $93,449 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,601 — 1.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $130,000 represents just 165.70% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,455/year) in Edmonds. 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 Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,455 to $93,449, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edmonds, 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 Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds'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 Edmonds is $60,236 ( 76.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,455, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,691.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,662
2025 BLS Actual
$76,571
2026 Current Est.
$78,455
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,662 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,061 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,455 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,385 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,662 in 2019 to $76,571 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,385. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
Several key employers in Edmonds are actively seeking new graduates, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically offer structured productivity ramps that benefit early-career therapists. Organizations like ATI and Select Medical frequently hire entry-level DPTs, albeit at competitive starting salaries compared to larger hospital systems that may provide residency programs leading to board certification. To enhance earning potential, it's crucial for new grads to hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE national exam, and obtain a state PT license. Additionally, pursuing optional residencies or fellowships can prepare new therapists for specialized board credentials, like OCS or SCS. Successful newcomers should also keep realistic expectations about salary growth, understanding that initial productivity expectations vary based on employer types, with potential for bonuses in outpatient settings while navigating the pressures from reimbursement cuts that influence the industry.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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