Physical Therapist Salary in Oro Valley, AZ: $100,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Oro Valley, AZ earns a median $100,252/year (≈ $48.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Oro Valley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $101,779 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oro Valley, Arizona, the projected median annual physical therapist salary in 2026 is $100,252, which reflects the area's specific market dynamics when compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range spans from $78,226 at the lower tenth percentile to $125,747 at the upper ninetieth percentile, showing a significant disparity based on the type of practice setting. Physical therapists in the region often choose between outpatient chains, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities, with each influencing earning potential differently. Practices like private orthopedic clinics tend to offer lower base salaries compared to hospital roles but may include bonuses tied to productivity, a model that can be appealing for those with a strong patient throughput.
About the Oro Valley Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,226 | $37.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,909 | $39.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,252 | $48.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,777 | $55.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,747 | $60.45 |
Median Salary Position
4.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oro Valley
In Oro Valley, AZ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,521 (2026 est.). At $100,252, the local median is 4.78% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oro Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oro Valley Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Oro Valley median: $100,252/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oro Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $105,751 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.78% less |
Physical Therapists in Oro Valley, AZ earn a median of $100,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.78% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.20% below the Arizona state average of $105,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oro Valley 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.
Oro Valley, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,252 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,779 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,162
2025 BLS Actual
$97,845
2026 Current Est.
$100,252
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oro Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,718 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oro Valley metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,162 (2019) to $97,845 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,718 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,556 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oro Valley 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) | $78,226 – $82,909 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,909 – $100,252 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,252 – $115,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,777 – $125,747 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Oro Valley
Currently, Oro Valley employs seven physical therapists, contributing to a localized job market that balances stability with competitive compensation. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries are robust, purchasing power may be slightly constrained compared to national averages. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those operated by ATI or Athletico, typically pay less than hospital and skilled nursing settings. Factors like productivity expectations—which often mandate a high volume of patient visits—can lead to wider pay variations among physical therapists. Board certifications, such as the Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) designations, may also command stipends that enhance overall earnings. For those looking to maximize their physical therapist pay in Oro Valley, strategic decisions regarding practice settings and a focus on furthering credentials can significantly impact overall success in this competitive field.
More salary data for Oro Valley, AZ:
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
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 $97,845 for physical therapistsin the Oro Valley 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 Oro Valley 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