Physical Therapist Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $90,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $90,158/year (≈ $43.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $77,789 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Lackawanna, NY, can expect a median annual salary of $90,158, which reflects ongoing trends in healthcare that elevate pay at the higher end of the spectrum, especially for cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists. The salary range spans from $75,517 at the lowest decile to $112,979 at the upper end, indicating a viable earning potential for those willing to specialize and expand their skill sets. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, adjusted for regional cost of living—currently elevated in Lackawanna. The growing demand for physical therapy services in the community suggests a competitive job market that can benefit practitioners aiming to maximize their earning potential.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,517 | $36.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,830 | $38.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,158 | $43.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,392 | $50.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,979 | $54.31 |
Median Salary Position
14.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,462 (2026 est.). At $90,158, the local median is 14.37% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lackawanna Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $90,158/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $96,322 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -14.37% less |
Physical Therapists in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $90,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.37% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $96,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,158 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,789 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,587
2025 BLS Actual
$87,993
2026 Current Est.
$90,158
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,932 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,677 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $76,587 (2019) to $87,993 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,789 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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) | $75,517 – $79,830 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,830 – $90,158 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,158 – $104,392 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,392 – $112,979 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Lackawanna
The local job market for physical therapists in Lackawanna currently employs around five professionals, a modest number that may indicate tight competition for positions. Living costs are somewhat above the national average, with a cost of living index of 115.9, which means professionals need to be strategic about their earnings and where they choose to work. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly established chains like Athletico and ATI, often represent the highest-paying employers, but pay scales can dramatically vary based on the practice model. Factors such as productivity expectations—which dictate the number of patients seen and billable units per visit—board certifications (like OCS or SCS), and even ownership stakes can greatly influence salary levels. Therefore, to maximize pay in Lackawanna, physical therapists might consider specializing in in-demand fields, securing additional certifications, and exploring opportunities within cash pay practice models, which are increasingly popular alongside traditional insurance reimbursement methods.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Lackawanna, NY in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Lackawanna?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Lackawanna?
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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 $87,993 for physical therapistsin the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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