Physical Therapist Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $106,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Lake Stevens, WA earns a median $106,320/year (≈ $51.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Lake Stevens's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $98,994 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical therapists in Lake Stevens, WA, can expect a competitive median salary of $106,320 in 2026, which slightly exceeds the national median of $105,288. This salary reflects a broad range of earnings, with entry-level practitioners possibly earning around $86,103, while those with more experience or in specialized positions may see salaries as high as $131,229. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to account for local cost adjustments, indicating that the productivity expectations in this market are shaping the pay scale. Given the pressure to manage visits per day effectively, savvy physical therapists can significantly enhance their hourly earnings, highlighting the importance of balancing productivity with quality patient care in the ever-evolving health landscape of Lake Stevens.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($99,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,103 | $41.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,859 | $44.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,320 | $51.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,246 | $58.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,229 | $63.09 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, WA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,126 (2026 est.). At $106,320, the local median is 0.98% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Stevens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Stevens Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Lake Stevens median: $106,320/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Stevens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $109,948 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +0.98% more |
Physical Therapists in Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $106,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $109,948.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Stevens has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Stevens, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,320 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,994 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,316
2025 BLS Actual
$103,767
2026 Current Est.
$106,320
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $90,316 (2019) to $103,767 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,619 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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) | $86,103 – $92,859 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,859 – $106,320 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,320 – $121,246 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,246 – $131,229 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Lake Stevens
The local job market comprises nine employed physical therapists, reflecting a relatively stable professional environment. The cost of living index for Lake Stevens sits at 107.4, suggesting a slightly higher-than-average expense for residents. This reality influences the overall purchasing power, making it vital for therapists to consider salaries in relation to living costs. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains like ATI and Athletico, may offer competitive packages, while hospital systems often provide additional benefits. Variability in salaries can stem from factors such as productivity models and board certifications (OCS, SCS), which may drive higher compensation through stipends or ownership equity. To maximize physical therapist pay in Lake Stevens, building a cash-pay patient model, seeking additional certifications, and negotiating productivity bonuses could prove advantageous in this dynamic healthcare market.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
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 $103,767 for physical therapistsin the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens 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