Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kennewick, WA: $85,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kennewick, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,687 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennewick's local price level (BEA RPP 100.1 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,991) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates stepping into the world of physical therapy in Kennewick, WA, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to be around $85,687 in 2026. While this figure reflects the entry-level pay, it represents a noticeable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $109,991. Over the first few years, new professionals can expect gradual salary growth, moving from the initial entry-point up to around $96,630 as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, Kennewick currently presents a solid market for recent DPT graduates. With a consistent demand for physical therapists in this region, newcomers can find opportunities that can lead to competitive pay as they build their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennewick
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 Kennewick
Entry-level physical therapists in Kennewick, WA typically start between $85,687 and $96,630 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,060 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,991 — 4.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Washington of $130,000 represents just 151.71% of the starting physical therapist pay ($85,687/year) in Kennewick. 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 Kennewick
- 1Research the Kennewick market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $85,687 to $96,630, 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 Kennewick, 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 Kennewick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennewick'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 Kennewick is $57,060 ( 66.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,687, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,747.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,300
2025 BLS Actual
$83,630
2026 Current Est.
$85,687
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,795 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kennewick, WA grew 30.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,300 in 2019 to $83,630 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,795. New graduates entering the Kennewick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Several employers in the Kennewick area actively recruit new physical therapy graduates, with outpatient orthopedic chains being primary players. These organizations often provide structured productivity ramps to help new hires transition smoothly into the field. Additionally, hospital systems offer residency programs that can lead to valuable board certifications. Skills acquired from a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree—along with passing the NPTE and obtaining a state license—are fundamental for entry into the profession. Pursuing further credentials, such as board specialization through residency or fellowship programs, can also enhance early-career earning potential. In the first few years, while entry-level salaries will vary, realistic growth based on experience and continuing education can significantly elevate compensation, making strategic career planning essential for new physical therapists in Kennewick.
More salary data for Kennewick, 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 Kennewick. 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