Physical Therapist Salary in Dearborn Heights, MI: $104,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Dearborn Heights, MI earns a median $104,059/year (≈ $50.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Dearborn Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $111,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Dearborn Heights is projected to reach a median of $104,059. The salary range varies widely from $75,884 at the 10th percentile to $141,569 at the 90th percentile, reflecting different work environments and compensation models. Physical therapists employed in outpatient care generally earn less than those in hospital settings, but they might gain additional benefits through productivity bonuses and incentives. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, indicate that the earnings in Dearborn Heights are slightly below the national median, which stands at $105,288. This suggests a localized economic landscape that may impact job seekers as they consider prospective employment opportunities and negotiation strategies in the area.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,884 | $36.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,797 | $40.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,059 | $50.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,740 | $57.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,569 | $68.06 |
Median Salary Position
1.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,685 (2026 est.). At $104,059, the local median is 1.17% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dearborn Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Heights Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Dearborn Heights median: $104,059/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $104,164 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.17% less |
Physical Therapists in Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $104,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.17% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $104,164.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dearborn Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $104,059 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,651 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,396
2025 BLS Actual
$101,561
2026 Current Est.
$104,059
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,948 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,678 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,619 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,396 (2019) to $101,561 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,619 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,223 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn Heights 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) | $75,884 – $84,797 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,797 – $104,059 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,059 – $119,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,740 – $141,569 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Dearborn Heights
The job market for physical therapists in Dearborn Heights includes only 13 professionals, a relatively small number that could indicate a limited demand for services, potentially creating a competitive atmosphere for positions. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, residents can enjoy a lower-than-average living cost, which can augment take-home pay compared to higher-cost areas. Outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico often offer competitive rates, but hospital inpatient rehabilitation tends to provide the highest salaries. Variability in pay is influenced by factors such as productivity metrics, board certifications (such as OCS or SCS), and the model of care being utilized—individual clinics that implement cash-pay options may also allow for higher earnings. To maximize earning potential in this market, physical therapists should focus on enhancing their skill sets with continuing education, pursuing board certification, and carefully selecting employment opportunities that align with growth and revenue generation.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Dearborn Heights, MI in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Dearborn Heights?
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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 $101,561 for physical therapistsin the Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights 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