Physical Therapist Salary in Meriden, CT: $104,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Meriden, CT earns a median $104,191/year (≈ $50.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Meriden's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $96,563 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meriden, Connecticut, the anticipated median annual physical therapist salary for 2026 is projected to be $104,191, slightly below the national median of $105,288. This salary reflects a range of compensation, where physical therapists can expect to earn between $82,301 at the 10th percentile and as much as $132,612 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as the choice of practice setting, whether it be an outpatient orthopedic clinic, hospital, or skilled nursing facility, play a significant role in determining pay levels. Outpatient chains tend to have lower base salaries but may offer performance bonuses, while hospitals often provide higher starting salaries with more stable hours. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for aspiring physical therapists entering the Meriden job market.
About the Meriden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,301 | $39.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,645 | $43.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,191 | $50.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,661 | $58.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,612 | $63.76 |
Median Salary Position
1.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meriden
In Meriden, CT, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,311 (2026 est.). At $104,191, the local median is 1.04% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meriden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meriden Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Meriden median: $104,191/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meriden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $105,563 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.04% less |
Physical Therapists in Meriden, CT earn a median of $104,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $105,563.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meriden has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meriden, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,191 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,563 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,508
2025 BLS Actual
$101,689
2026 Current Est.
$104,191
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,061 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,623 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,671 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,689 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,754 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meriden metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,508 (2019) to $101,689 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,754 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,246 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meriden 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) | $82,301 – $89,645 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,645 – $104,191 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,191 – $120,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,661 – $132,612 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Meriden
Among the 12 physical therapists employed in the area, addressing the local cost of living is essential, as Meriden's index stands at 107.9, indicating a slightly higher expense for goods and services compared to the national average. This context directly impacts take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Employers like outpatient orthopedic clinics could offer competitive compensation, yet they might impose stringent productivity expectations, influencing salary variation. Factors driving this spread include practice models (cash-pay vs. insurance), board certifications like OCS or SCS, and the possibility of clinic ownership equity. To maximize earnings, physical therapists in Meriden should focus on enhancing productivity metrics and consider acquiring specialized credentials that may command higher pay rates, making their skills more marketable within the region.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Meriden, CT in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Meriden?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Meriden?
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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 $101,689 for physical therapistsin the Meriden 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 Meriden 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