Physical Therapist Salary in Durango, CO: $96,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Durango, CO earns a median $96,171/year (≈ $46.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $91,591 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Durango, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $96,171. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Salaries in the area range from $80,750 at the 10th percentile to $120,731 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive pay scale for those in the profession. While the income levels signal a promising outlook, it’s worth comparing this to the national median of $105,288 to assess the market dynamics. With a unique demand for specialists in sports and orthopedics, particularly within cash-pay practice models, top-end salaries may see upward pressure, further influencing the physical therapist salary in Durango.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,750 | $38.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,297 | $41.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,171 | $46.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,936 | $51.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,731 | $58.04 |
Median Salary Position
8.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,981 (2026 est.). At $96,171, the local median is 8.66% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Durango median: $96,171/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $102,637 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -8.66% less |
Physical Therapists in Durango, CO earn a median of $96,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $102,637.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,171 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,591 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,695
2025 BLS Actual
$93,862
2026 Current Est.
$96,171
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,258 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,076 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $81,695 (2019) to $93,862 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,842 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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) | $80,750 – $85,297 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,297 – $96,171 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,171 – $107,936 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,936 – $120,731 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Durango
Despite a relatively small workforce of just five employed physical therapists, the job market in Durango presents distinct opportunities. The cost of living slightly exceeds the national average, at an index of 105, which can impact the take-home purchasing power of therapists. In this environment, physical therapy pay in Durango, CO, can vary significantly depending on employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer less than hospital systems yet compensate with potential productivity bonuses and incentives for specialty certifications (like OCS or SCS). Achieving higher pay often hinges on factors like clinic ownership equity, the structure of payment models, and meeting productivity benchmarks. Therapists looking to maximize their earnings should consider aligning with cash-pay practices or pursuing board certifications, thus positioning themselves strategically within this evolving market.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Durango, CO in 2026?
Is Durango, CO a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Durango?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Durango?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Durango?
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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 $93,862 for physical therapistsin the Durango 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 Durango 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