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Physical Therapist Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a physical therapist make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $100,240/yr ($48.19/hr), with around 5,430 people working in this field statewide.

Physical Therapist salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $374. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for physical therapists in Colorado.

Colorado Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$100,240
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$78,104

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Physical Therapist Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $100,240.

Your annual salary ($)

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Colorado

Entry Level (0–2 years)$62,100/yr · $29.86/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Colorado.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$89,213/yr · $42.89/hr
Established professional working independently in Colorado. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$111,266/yr · $53.49/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Colorado.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$144,300+/yr · $69.38/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Colorado.
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Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Colorado has seen 13.9% wage growth for physical therapists — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's healthcare and rehabilitation.

2021
$88,010
2022
$93,122
+5.8%
2023
$97,433
+4.6%
2024
$99,037
+1.6%
2026
$100,240
+1.2%

Physical Therapist Salary by City — Colorado

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Denver$111,250$53.49+11.0%1,900
Colorado Springs$106,250$51.08+6.0%1,520
Aurora$103,250$49.64+3.0%977
Fort Collins$96,250$46.27-4.0%488
Boulder$91,200$43.85-9.0%325
Pueblo$87,200$41.92-13.0%217

Tip: Denver offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Colorado at $111,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.

Colorado — 4.4% state income tax$100,240 gross~$78,104 take-home
Wyoming — no state tax$101,130 gross+0.9% vs CO
Nebraska — 5.84%$96,540 gross-3.7% vs CO
Kansas — 5.7%$98,840 gross-1.4% vs CO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

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Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Colorado

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
5,430Currently employed
543+New jobs projected

Employment for physical therapists in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for physical therapists in Colorado.

How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Colorado

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Colorado typically adds $82,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays physical therapists $111,250/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays physical therapists $101,130/yr — 0.9% vs Colorado.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physical therapists earn in Colorado?
The average physical therapist salary in Colorado is $100,240 per year, or $48.19 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $62,100 while experienced professionals earn $144,300 or more.
Which Colorado city has the highest physical therapist salary?
Denver pays physical therapists the most in Colorado at an average of $111,250 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Colorado stack up nationally for physical therapist pay?
Colorado physical therapist salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $374. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
How much do physical therapists actually take home after taxes in Colorado?
A physical therapist earning the Colorado average of $100,240 takes home approximately $78,104 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Should you become a physical therapist in Colorado?
Yes. Physical Therapist is a strong career choice in Colorado with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for physical therapists in Colorado.
What's the licensing process for physical therapists in Colorado?
In Colorado, physical therapists are licensed through the State Physical Therapy Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Physical Therapy Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.