Physical Therapist Salary in Fountain, CO: $97,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Fountain, CO earns a median $97,449/year (≈ $46.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Fountain's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $92,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fountain, CO, the 2026 median annual compensation for a physical therapist is projected at $97,449, reflecting a landscape shaped by a rising trend in cash-pay models, particularly among sports and orthopedic specialists. This creates a compelling top-end salary range spanning from $76,399 at the 10th percentile to $126,284 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those with specialized skills. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost comparisons suggest that while local salaries are approximately 7.45% lower than the national median of $105,288, the increased demand for therapists in outpatient settings, such as private clinics or chains like ATI or Athletico, is likely to stimulate opportunities for higher wages in the Fountain area. The local job market, albeit small with only four employed physical therapists, reflects targeted growth expectations of 2.46% annually.
About the Fountain Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,399 | $36.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,946 | $39.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,449 | $46.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,787 | $55.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,284 | $60.72 |
Median Salary Position
7.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fountain
In Fountain, CO, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,885 (2026 est.). At $97,449, the local median is 7.45% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fountain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fountain Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Fountain median: $97,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fountain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $102,686 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -7.45% less |
Physical Therapists in Fountain, CO earn a median of $97,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.10% below the Colorado state average of $102,686.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fountain has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fountain, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,449 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,809 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,781
2025 BLS Actual
$95,109
2026 Current Est.
$97,449
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Fountain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,286 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,716 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,109 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,846 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fountain metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $82,781 (2019) to $95,109 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,846 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,065 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fountain 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) | $76,399 – $82,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,946 – $97,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,449 – $114,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,787 – $126,284 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Fountain
For those working in Fountain, the cost of living index, set at 105, is slightly above the national average, which can affect the overall purchasing power of physical therapist pay in Fountain, CO. To maximize potential earnings, practitioners may consider specializing in niche areas that command a premium, such as obtaining board certifications like OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist). In this competitive environment, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the most substantial wages, influenced by productivity metrics such as units per visit and visits per day. Engaging in a cash-pay practice model, which circumvents some insurance limitations, can further enhance income prospects. Ultimately, those looking to advance their careers in Fountain should focus on building relationships with local health facilities, seeking out roles that offer autonomy, and remaining attuned to trends in both healthcare reimbursement and client preferences.
More salary data for Fountain, CO:
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 $95,109 for physical therapistsin the Fountain 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 Fountain 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