Physical Therapist Salary in Groton, CT: $102,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Groton, CT earns a median $102,298/year (≈ $49.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Groton's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $94,808 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Groton, Connecticut, the projected median annual physical therapist salary for 2026 is set at $102,298, reflecting a moderate position within the national context, where the equivalent figure is $105,288. The salary range here varies significantly, from $75,111 at the 10th percentile to as high as $132,759 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, adjusted for local cost considerations. Interestingly, the job market in Groton is shaped partially by the choice of employer; outpatient chains may offer lower base pay compared to hospital systems, yet often include additional productivity-based bonuses that can enhance overall compensation. As the physical therapy sector evolves, attaining roles in competitive environments like skilled nursing facilities or specialized practices may provide the best opportunities for financial growth.
About the Groton Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,111 | $36.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,627 | $43.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,298 | $49.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,847 | $58.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,759 | $63.82 |
Median Salary Position
2.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Groton
In Groton, CT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,648 (2026 est.). At $102,298, the local median is 2.84% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Groton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Groton Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Groton median: $102,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Groton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,571 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.84% less |
Physical Therapists in Groton, CT earn a median of $102,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $105,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Groton has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Groton, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,298 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $94,808 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,900
2025 BLS Actual
$99,842
2026 Current Est.
$102,298
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,905 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,879 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,821 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Groton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,900 (2019) to $99,842 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,915 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Groton 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) | $75,111 – $89,627 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,627 – $102,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,298 – $120,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,847 – $132,759 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Groton
The local job market currently employs six physical therapists, which may indicate a tight community where opportunities are limited but competitive. Groton's cost of living index stands at 107.9, meaning that while salaries are carefully calibrated against local economic conditions, take-home purchasing power may still feel constrained. Among prospective employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico may dominate, yet hospital-based positions typically offer higher pay, reflecting differences in reimbursement models and productivity expectations. Factors such as board specialization (OCS/SCS certifications), engagement in cash-pay practices, and opportunities for clinic ownership can dramatically skew compensation levels. To maximize physical therapist pay in Groton, professionals should consider obtaining advanced certifications, seeking roles in settings emphasizing higher patient volumes, and staying informed about the shift towards cash-pay business models, which can provide more lucrative returns.
More salary data for Groton, CT:
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 $99,842 for physical therapistsin the Groton 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 Groton 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