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2026 Salary Data — Cleveland, OH
Updated April 28, 2026

Physical Therapist Salary in Cleveland: $92K Median

Physical Therapists in Cleveland, OH earn between $69K and $120K per year.

That's -8% below the US national median of $99,710 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland, OH is $91,733 per year — -8% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) to $119,600 (90th percentile). Physical Therapists in Cleveland earned approximately $13,899 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$91,733
+560.0% YoY · $7,644/mo
Entry
$71,760
0–2 years
Experienced
$105,800
5+ years
Top 10%
$119,600
Senior/lead
Physical Therapist Salary — Cleveland vs Nearby
Cleveland
$92K
Columbus
$97K
-5% vs Cleveland
Oklahoma City
$88K
+5% vs Cleveland
Louisville
$91K
+1% vs Cleveland

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About Physical Therapists in Cleveland

Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient evaluation
  • Treatment planning
  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise prescription
  • Documentation

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

In-demand certifications

DPTOCS (Orthopedic Specialist)SCS (Sports)NCS (Neurologic)

Cleveland Job Market

Major medical hub anchored by Cleveland Clinic.

Population
372K
Cost of Living
88
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
Median Home
$175K

Top Industries in Cleveland

Healthcare (Cleveland Clinic)FinanceManufacturingTechEducation

Top Employers Hiring Physical Therapists

Major employers active in Cleveland or hiring remotely from this metro.

Hospital systems
Outpatient clinics
Sports medicine practices
Home health agencies
Schools

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Physical Therapist listings.

Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Career Outlook
+14% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population.

Physical Therapist Salary Breakdown — Cleveland

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$69,000$91,733$119,600
Monthly$5,750$7,644$9,967
Weekly$1,327$1,764$2,300
Hourly$33$44$58

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($99,710) adjusted for Cleveland's cost-of-living multiplier (0.92×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in Cleveland

After federal, state, local, and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$68,245.516
Per month$5,687
Biweekly paycheck$2,625
Effective tax rate25.6%

Tax Breakdown on $91,733

Gross salary$91,733
Federal income tax−$11,883.26
Ohio state tax−$2,293.325
Cleveland local tax−$2,293.325
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$7,017.575
Take-home (net)$68,245.516

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Cleveland

Career-stage progression for Physical Therapists in Cleveland.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$66,019
2–3 yr$71,760
4–6 yr$88,780
7–10 yr$105,800
11–15 yr$124,844
15+ yr$112,700

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for Cleveland's 0.92× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$13,899
2026 median:$91,733
Change:+$77,834

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth PT and Sports medicine.

Is This A Good Salary?

Excellent

Adjusted for local cost of living, this salary delivers top-tier real purchasing power - well above what the same nominal pay would buy in most US metros. Strong savings, home-buying, and discretionary spending are all realistic.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$104,242
Comfortable lifestyle with strong savings potential - the median paycheck stretches well above the national average here.

How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Cleveland

Walk-away anchor: $83,394 (offers below this are below market for Cleveland).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $106K–$120K for experienced roles, citing Cleveland market data and your specific Telehealth PT/Sports medicine expertise.

Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Cleveland

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland, OH?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland is $91,733 per year as of April 2026 — $7,644/month, $1,764/week, or about $44/hour. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $119,600 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for Cleveland's cost-of-living multiplier (0.92×).
Is $91,733 a good Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland?
Excellent. Adjusted for local cost of living, this salary delivers top-tier real purchasing power - well above what the same nominal pay would buy in most US metros. Strong savings, home-buying, and discretionary spending are all realistic. Cleveland's cost-of-living index is 88 (vs 100 nationally), giving $91,733 a real purchasing power of approximately $104,242 in national terms. Comfortable lifestyle with strong savings potential - the median paycheck stretches well above the national average here.
Can you live on $91,733 in Cleveland?
Median local pay typically supports a single-earner family of four with a starter home, modest college savings, and standard healthcare costs covered. Stay under 25% of pre-tax income on rent. In this market, that is realistic on most professional salaries and leaves room for retirement contributions. For Cleveland specifically (median home price $175,000), a $91,733 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $91,733 enough for a single person in Cleveland?
A single adult in Cleveland typically needs ~$39,600 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $91,733 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $91,733 enough for a couple in Cleveland?
A couple (one earner) in Cleveland typically needs ~$63,360 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $91,733 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $91,733 each ($183,466 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $91,733 enough for a family of 4 in Cleveland?
A family of 4 (one earner) in Cleveland typically needs ~$96,800 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $91,733 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of Cleveland. Childcare costs in Cleveland typically run $13K-$25K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Physical Therapist in Cleveland?
On a $91,733 Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland, OH, you take home approximately $68,245.516 per year ($5,687/month, $2,625 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $11,883.26, state $2,293.325, local $2,293.325, FICA $7,017.575. Effective tax rate: 25.6%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Physical Therapists in Cleveland earn compared to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Cleveland earn approximately 8% less than the US national median for this role ($99,710 nationally vs $91,733 in Cleveland). However, Cleveland's cost-of-living index of 88 means real purchasing power is approximately $104,242 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Physical Therapist earn in Cleveland?
Entry-level Physical Therapists in Cleveland typically start at around $71,760 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Physical Therapists earn $105,800 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $119,600+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Cleveland increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Cleveland grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $13,899 in 2025 to $91,733 in 2026 (+$77,834). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Cleveland?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Cleveland's top industries include Healthcare (Cleveland Clinic), Finance, Manufacturing, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 4.5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Physical Therapists are: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in Cleveland.
Who are the top employers hiring Physical Therapists in Cleveland?
Top employers hiring Physical Therapists in or near Cleveland include: Hospital systems, Outpatient clinics, Sports medicine practices, Home health agencies, Schools. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Cleveland?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., DPT or OCS (Orthopedic Specialist)). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Physical Therapist in Cleveland?
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the typical path. However, Cleveland's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Physical Therapist salary figures for Cleveland are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($99,710) by Cleveland's cost-of-living multiplier of 0.92× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in Cleveland

Occupational Therapist →Registered Nurse →Pharmacist →Physician →Nurse Practitioner →Dentist →

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Cities

San Antonio, TX$93KJacksonville, FL$92KColumbus, OH$97KIndianapolis, IN$93KDetroit, MI$93KMemphis, TN$88KOklahoma City, OK$88KLas Vegas, NV$95K

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