Physical Therapist Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $103,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Buckeye, AZ earns a median $103,944/year (≈ $49.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Buckeye's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $105,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected earning potential for a physical therapist salary in Buckeye, AZ, reaches a median of $103,944, which falls slightly below the national median of $105,288. Salaries within the area vary significantly, spanning from $81,361 at the 10th percentile up to $137,969 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on state-level data from 2025, adjusted for regional economic conditions. With an emphasis on high productivity, physical therapists in Buckeye often face expectations that shape their effective hourly compensation—averaging $49.97 per hour. The job market for physical therapists here includes about 19 professionals, indicating a relatively tight field that could affect competition for higher-paying positions.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,361 | $39.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,874 | $42.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,944 | $49.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,817 | $57.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,969 | $66.33 |
Median Salary Position
1.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
In Buckeye, AZ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,608 (2026 est.). At $103,944, the local median is 1.28% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buckeye: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buckeye Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Buckeye median: $103,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buckeye Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $105,741 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.28% less |
Physical Therapists in Buckeye, AZ earn a median of $103,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.28% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the Arizona state average of $105,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buckeye has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buckeye, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $103,944 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,298
2025 BLS Actual
$101,448
2026 Current Est.
$103,944
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Buckeye (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,399 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buckeye metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,298 (2019) to $101,448 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,203 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,361 – $88,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,874 – $103,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,944 – $119,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,817 – $137,969 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Buckeye
The local job market in Buckeye offers a fascinating mix of employment opportunities, as physical therapist pay varies across settings ranging from outpatient orthopedic clinics to skilled nursing facilities. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power remains influenced by local economic conditions. Among the employers, outpatient clinics like ATI and Athletico tend to offer lower base salaries but may supplement income with productivity bonuses. In contrast, hospital settings typically yield higher pay scales. Factors such as board certification stipends, ownership stakes, and whether a practice operates on a cash-pay or insurance model can widen the salary spectrum. To maximize earning potential, physical therapists in Buckeye should consider honing specialized skills, pursuing certifications like OCS or SCS, and exploring positions within higher-paying or less predictable travel PT roles.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Buckeye, AZ in 2026?
Is Buckeye, AZ a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Buckeye?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Buckeye?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Buckeye?
Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $101,448 for physical therapistsin the Buckeye metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye 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