Physical Therapist Salary in Searcy, AR: $97,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Searcy, AR earns a median $97,491/year (≈ $46.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Searcy's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $112,188 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist salaries in Searcy, Arkansas, are expected to reach a median of $97,491, which is approximately 7.41% lower than the national average of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in this area is projected to span from $76,216 at the 10th percentile to $116,156 at the 90th percentile. These figures, sourced from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect the local job market dynamics. With five physical therapists currently employed in Searcy, practitioners should consider the structural choices within the healthcare system as they evaluate job opportunities, as salaries can significantly differ between outpatient clinics and hospital settings.
About the Searcy Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,216 | $36.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,366 | $39.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,491 | $46.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,163 | $52.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,156 | $55.84 |
Median Salary Position
7.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Searcy
In Searcy, AR, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,940 (2026 est.). At $97,491, the local median is 7.41% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Searcy: You'd be above the median
How Searcy Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Searcy median: $97,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Searcy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $102,406 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -7.41% less |
Physical Therapists in Searcy, AR earn a median of $97,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $102,406.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Searcy 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.
Searcy, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $97,491 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,188 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,816
2025 BLS Actual
$95,150
2026 Current Est.
$97,491
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,889 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Searcy metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $82,816 (2019) to $95,150 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,889 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,073 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Searcy 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) | $76,216 – $82,366 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,366 – $97,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,491 – $109,163 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,163 – $116,156 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Searcy
Analyzing the local job market reveals unique factors influencing physical therapist pay in Searcy, AR. The cost of living index in the area is 86.9, indicating a lower expense for housing and daily living compared to national averages, which enhances the purchasing power of salaries earned. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, often associated with larger chains like Athletico or ATI, tend to pay less than hospital systems, but they may offer productivity bonuses that can bridge the wage gap. Additionally, specialized certifications such as OCS or SCS can warrant higher pay due to the expertise they bring to a clinic. Therapists interested in maximizing their earnings should consider the distinctions between cash-pay and insurance-based practices, as those offering cash-pay services may retain a larger share of revenue. Focusing on productivity metrics and potential additional stipends for specialized certifications can prove advantageous in this local market.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 $95,150 for physical therapistsin the Searcy 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 Searcy 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