Physical Therapist Salary in Russellville, AR: $98,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Russellville, AR earns a median $98,965/year (≈ $47.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Russellville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $113,884 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Russellville, Arkansas, are projected to earn a median salary of $98,965 annually. This figure highlights a competitive market compensation, although it falls slightly below the national median of $105,288. The pay range for physical therapists in this city runs from $80,447 at the 10th percentile to $128,111 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity in experience and specialty within the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, underscoring the importance of productivity expectations in the area. With such a solid median income, Russellville continues to maintain a healthy job market for physical therapy professionals.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,447 | $38.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,349 | $41.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,965 | $47.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,489 | $56.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,111 | $61.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Russellville
In Russellville, AR, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,664 (2026 est.). At $98,965, the local median is 6.01% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Russellville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Russellville Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Russellville median: $98,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Russellville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $102,448 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.01% less |
Physical Therapists in Russellville, AR earn a median of $98,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.01% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Arkansas state average of $102,448.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Russellville has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Russellville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $98,965 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,884 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,069
2025 BLS Actual
$96,589
2026 Current Est.
$98,965
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,545 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,589 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Russellville metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,069 (2019) to $96,589 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,331 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville 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) | $80,447 – $86,349 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,349 – $98,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,965 – $116,489 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,489 – $128,111 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Russellville
Examining the local job landscape, only six physical therapists are currently employed in Russellville, which indicates a tighter job market compared to larger urban centers. This limited number can also impact salary negotiations as the demand may not meet the supply of new graduates entering the field. The cost of living index in Russellville stands at 86.9, below the national average, which suggests that the purchasing power for therapists is relatively favorable. Employers in outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains like ATI and Athletico, generally offer competitive salaries but may tie compensation to productivity bonuses. Meanwhile, hospital-based positions and those in skilled nursing facilities may provide more stable pay structures. To maximize physical therapist pay in Russellville AR, professionals should consider pursuing board certifications such as OCS or SCS for potential stipends, seek opportunities in higher-paying settings, and explore the growing cash-pay model, which can offer more favorable terms than traditional insurance reimbursement. Understanding these dynamics is essential for new graduates and seasoned therapists alike looking to optimize their earnings in this unique market.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
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 $96,589 for physical therapistsin the Russellville 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 Russellville 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