Physical Therapist Salary in Southfield, MI: $103,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Southfield, MI earns a median $103,862/year (≈ $49.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Southfield's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $111,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southfield, Michigan, physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $103,862 in 2026, which is slightly below the projected national median of $105,288. The market offers a wide salary range, with entry-level positions starting at around $75,315 and experienced therapists earning as much as $140,569. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, are reflective of the local job environment. The primary employers in the area, including outpatient orthopedic chains like Athletico and ATI, often have different pay structures compared to hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, influencing earning potential based on where a therapist chooses to work.
About the Southfield Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,315 | $36.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,396 | $40.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,862 | $49.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,545 | $60.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,569 | $67.58 |
Median Salary Position
1.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southfield
In Southfield, MI, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,254 (2026 est.). At $103,862, the local median is 1.35% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southfield Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Southfield median: $103,862/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $104,174 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -1.35% less |
Physical Therapists in Southfield, MI earn a median of $103,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.35% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.30% below the Michigan state average of $104,174.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southfield 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.
Southfield, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $103,862 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,440 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,228
2025 BLS Actual
$101,368
2026 Current Est.
$103,862
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Southfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,777 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,325 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southfield metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $88,228 (2019) to $101,368 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,189 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southfield 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) | $75,315 – $84,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,396 – $103,862 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,862 – $125,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,545 – $140,569 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Southfield
Looking deeper into the physical therapy pay dynamics in Southfield, there are currently 19 therapists employed in the area, which indicates a relatively small job market yet demonstrates solid demand. With a low cost-of-living index of 93.2, therapists can enjoy better purchasing power compared to national averages. However, salaries can fluctuate significantly based on the type of facility. Outpatient clinics tend to offer lower base pay but might include incentives tied to productivity, while hospitals often provide more stable salaries with potential benefits. Factors such as board certifications (like OCS or SCS), productivity expectations (units per visit, visits per day), and the clinic's business model (cash-pay versus insurance) play integral roles in distinguishing pay differences. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in Southfield, pursuing board credentials, seeking opportunities in high-demand practices, and negotiating contracts that emphasize performance incentives may prove beneficial.
More salary data for Southfield, 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 $101,368 for physical therapistsin the Southfield 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 Southfield 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