Physical Therapist Salary in Denver, CO
Physical Therapists in Denver, CO earn a median of $81,000/year, ranging from $62,370 (25th percentile) to $129,600 (90th percentile). After Colorado state taxes (4.4%) and cost-of-living adjustments (COL index 128), this is equivalent to $63,281 in purchasing power vs the US average.
On the ground in Denver, CO
Physical therapy clinics and sports medicine practices dot Denver's expanding healthcare corridor, with notable employers including UCHealth, National Jewish Health, and the various outpatient networks serving the metro's affluent, fitness-focused population. A modest one-bedroom in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Highlands runs around $1,400 to $1,600 monthly, which can strain a salary in the low $60,000s but feels manageable in the $80,000-plus range. The metro sprawls across the high plains, so most PTs drive between clinic locations, though some practices cluster near light rail stations along the South Platte. Colorado's state income tax sits at 4.4%, a modest bite compared to coastal states, and the altitude and dry climate mean your joints feel the difference - locals often prefer this for long-term musculoskeletal health.
1Salary Distribution in Denver, CO
2Estimated Take-Home & Purchasing Power
* Estimates only. Does not include federal income tax, 401k, health insurance, or local taxes. Use the Salary Calculator for a detailed breakdown.
How Does Denver, CO Compare?
| City | Median | COL Index | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO (current) | $81,000 | 128 | $63,281 |
| San Francisco, CA | $105,000 | 186 | $56,452 |
| New York, NY | $101,000 | 187 | $54,011 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,000 | 162 | $62,963 |
| Boston, MA | $93,000 | 162 | $57,407 |
| Austin, TX | $84,000 | 124 | $67,742 |
4Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Denver, CO?
The median Physical Therapist salary in Denver, CO is $81,000 per year as of 2026 BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $62,370 and the 90th percentile is $129,600.
Is Denver, CO a good place to work as a Physical Therapist?
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 128 (US average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, a $81,000 Physical Therapist salary in Denver, CO is equivalent to $63,281 in purchasing power compared to the US average.
What is the cost of living adjustment for Denver, CO?
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 128, meaning it is 28% more expensive than the US average. The state income tax rate in Colorado is approximately 4.4%.
What is the Physical Therapist salary range in Denver, CO?
In Denver, CO, Physical Therapists earn between $62,370 (25th percentile) and $129,600 (90th percentile), with a median of $81,000 per year.
How many Physical Therapist jobs are there in Denver, CO?
According to BLS OEWS data, there are approximately 42,000 Physical Therapist positions in the Denver, CO metropolitan area.
What do Physical Therapists earn in Denver, CO?
Based on BLS OEWS 2026 data, Physical Therapists in Denver, CO earn a median annual wage of $81,000. The middle 50% earn between $62,370 and $103,680. The top 10% earn more than $129,600. There are approximately 42,000 Physical Therapists employed in the Denver, CO metro area, with annual job growth estimated at 5.7%.
Is Denver, CO a good place for a Physical Therapist?
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 128 (US average = 100), making it 28% more expensive than the national average. After adjusting for cost of living, a Physical Therapist in Denver, CO earning $81,000has the equivalent purchasing power of $63,281 relative to the US median. Colorado has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%.
What is the cost of living adjustment for Denver, CO?
Denver, CO's cost of living index is 128, based on composite data including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. This means that $81,000 in Denver, COhas the same purchasing power as $63,281 in a city at exactly the US average cost of living. Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between metros.
Compare Denver, CO with Another City
See a detailed side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, and purchasing power.
5Should You Work as a Physical Therapist in Denver, CO?
The headline median of $81,000 is only part of the picture. Denver, CO's cost of living index is 128 (US average = 100), meaning a dollar here buys roughly 78¢ of what it buys in an average US city. The $81,000 salary effectively purchases $63,281 worth of goods and services at national-average prices.
Housing is the single biggest driver of cost-of-living differences between metros. In Denver, CO, housing typically runs 28–35% of gross income for median earners — elevated but still within traditional affordability ranges. For a $81,000 salary, that translates to roughly $25,920/year on housing alone.
State tax plays a meaningful but smaller role. Colorado levies a state income tax of approximately 4.4%, which reduces take-home by roughly $3,564 per year on this salary. States with zero income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Tennessee, Nevada) offer a structural advantage, but often offset it with higher sales tax or property tax. After state tax and approximate federal FICA (~7.6%), the estimated take-home is $71,551. This excludes federal income tax, which varies by filing status and deductions.
For comparison, here are nearby alternatives: San Francisco, CA ($105,000 median, COL 186); New York, NY ($101,000 median, COL 187); Seattle, WA ($102,000 median, COL 162). If you're optimizing for purchasing power, compare the COL-adjusted column in the table above and pick the highest number. If you're optimizing for career progression, weight total employment and yearly growth in the role — larger markets offer more lateral moves and promotion velocity, even when nominal pay is lower.
The 5.7% year-over-year growth rate for Physical Therapists in Denver, CO is a leading indicator of market health. Above-average hiring pace suggests strong negotiating leverage, frequent counter-offer opportunities, and a deep pipeline of open roles. For side-by-side comparisons, try the full city ranking for Physical Therapists or the Colorado state overview.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program. All figures are approximate annual estimates based on the most recent available BLS data. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education, employer size, and specific role. Cost-of-living data represents composite indices from publicly available metropolitan area data.