2026 Salary — Colorado
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado: $105K Median
Physical Therapists in Colorado earn between $79K and $137K per year.
That's +5% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Colorado is $104,696 per year — +5% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $78,750 (entry, 25th percentile) to $136,500 (90th percentile). Colorado's cost-of-living index is 105. State income tax applies.
Median
$104,696
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$81,900
Experienced
$120,750
Top 10%
$136,500
About Physical Therapists in Colorado
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado Metros
Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Denver | $109,681 |
| Colorado Springs | $99,710 |
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Colorado
Walk-away anchor: $95,178.
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
Negotiate Beyond Base
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
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Colorado
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Colorado?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Colorado is $104,696 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $78,750 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $136,500 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Colorado compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Colorado earn approximately 5% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $104,696 in Colorado). Colorado's cost-of-living index of 105 is close to the national average.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Colorado increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Colorado grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $15,863 in 2025 to $104,696 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Colorado cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Colorado metros for Physical Therapists: Denver ($110K), Colorado Springs ($100K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Colorado?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Colorado's top industries include Aerospace, Tech, Energy, and the state's unemployment rate is 3.7% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Colorado have state income tax?
Yes, Colorado has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $104,696, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Colorado employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Colorado?
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? Beyond base, negotiate: 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%). Walk-away anchor for Colorado: $95,178.
Methodology
Colorado Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Colorado's state multiplier (1.05×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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