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Physical Therapist Salaries in Delaware — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median physical therapist salary in Delaware is $103,120 per year, equivalent to $49.58/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Delaware employs approximately 910 physical therapists statewide.

Physical Therapist salaries in Delaware are above the national average by approximately $3,254. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware physical therapists access to higher-paying employers.

Delaware Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Delaware after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$103,120
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$78,023

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Delaware Physical Therapist Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Delaware median of $103,120.

Your annual salary ($)

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Delaware

Entry Level (0–2 years)$63,900/yr · $30.72/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Delaware.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$91,776/yr · $44.12/hr
Established professional working independently in Delaware. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$114,463/yr · $55.03/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Delaware.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$148,500+/yr · $71.39/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Delaware.
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Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Delaware — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Delaware 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 Delaware's healthcare and rehabilitation.

2021
$90,539
2022
$95,798
+5.8%
2023
$100,232
+4.6%
2024
$101,882
+1.6%
2026
$103,120
+1.2%

Physical Therapist Salary by City — Delaware

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Wilmington$114,450$55.02+11.0%318
Dover$109,300$52.55+6.0%254
Newark$106,200$51.06+3.0%163
Middletown$99,000$47.60-4.0%81
Smyrna$93,850$45.12-9.0%54
Milford$89,700$43.12-13.0%50

Tip: Wilmington offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Delaware at $114,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Delaware vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Delaware — 6.6% state income tax$103,120 gross~$78,023 take-home
Pennsylvania — 3.07%$99,570 gross-3.4% vs DE
New Jersey — 10.75%$106,310 gross+3.1% vs DE
Maryland — 5.75%$104,330 gross+1.2% vs DE

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

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Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Delaware

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
910Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for physical therapists in Delaware is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Delaware job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware physical therapists access to higher-paying employers.

How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Delaware

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Delaware typically adds $84,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Wilmington pays physical therapists $114,450/yr — +11.0% above the Delaware average. Simply relocating within Delaware 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 Delaware. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays physical therapists $99,570/yr — -3.4% vs Delaware.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average physical therapist salary in Delaware?
The average physical therapist salary in Delaware is $103,120 per year, or $49.58 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $63,900 while experienced professionals earn $148,500 or more.
Which Delaware city has the highest physical therapist salary?
Wilmington pays physical therapists the most in Delaware at an average of $114,450 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Delaware physical therapist salary compare to the national average?
Delaware physical therapist salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $3,254. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
What is the take-home pay for a physical therapist in Delaware?
A physical therapist earning the Delaware average of $103,120 takes home approximately $78,023 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Should you become a physical therapist in Delaware?
Yes. Physical Therapist is a strong career choice in Delaware with steady demand projected over the next decade. Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware physical therapists access to higher-paying employers.
What's the licensing process for physical therapists in Delaware?
In Delaware, 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.