Physical Therapist Salary in Muskegon, MI: $100,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Muskegon, MI earns a median $100,114/year (≈ $48.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $108,209 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Muskegon, Michigan, the 2026 projected median annual salary for physical therapists stands at $100,114, which is slightly below the national median of $105,288. This figure indicates a competitive pay structure that reflects the local job market's dynamics, leveraging a mix of outpatient settings such as private practices and larger chains versus hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The full salary range for physical therapists in this region spans from $81,251 at the 10th percentile to $122,696 at the 90th percentile, based on comprehensive evaluations from the 2025 BLS OEWS data. Such variations suggest that the type of employment setting can significantly influence remuneration, with outpatient clinics often focusing on productivity metrics that determine pay structures.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,251 | $39.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,777 | $39.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,114 | $48.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,720 | $49.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,696 | $58.99 |
Median Salary Position
4.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,445 (2026 est.). At $100,114, the local median is 4.91% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $100,114/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $104,177 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.91% less |
Physical Therapists in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $100,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.90% below the Michigan state average of $104,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon has a cost of living 7.48% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 92.519 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,114 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,209 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.09% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,580
2025 BLS Actual
$97,710
2026 Current Est.
$100,114
2019–2027 Growth
+25.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,537 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,576 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 19.8% from $81,580 (2019) to $97,710 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,576 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,996 (25.74%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $81,251 – $82,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,777 – $100,114 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,114 – $103,720 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,720 – $122,696 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Muskegon
Employment opportunities for physical therapists in Muskegon remain robust, with approximately 120 professionals currently in practice. The local cost of living index sits at 92.519, which translates to better purchasing power for residents when compared to national averages. Outpatient rehabilitation centers, like those operated by chains such as ATI and Athletico, typically compensate less than hospital and SNF environments, yet may offer incentives tied to productivity, making it essential for therapists to understand the nuances of clinic operations. Factors such as the frequency of patient visits, board specialization stipends, and the choice between cash-pay and insurance models can contribute to substantial variations in compensation. To optimize physical therapist pay in Muskegon, professionals should consider obtaining board certifications like the OCS or SCS, exploring opportunities that emphasize high visit rates per day, and researching clinics that have equity-sharing models or high patient demand.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 $97,710 for physical therapistsin the Muskegon 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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