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Physical Therapist Salary in Erie, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Erie's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Erie β€” Key Numbers

$83,756
Median Salary
$68,334
25th Percentile
$99,800
75th Percentile
$116,718
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median-16.0%
Erie median household income$51,400
vs. City household income+62.9%

Cost of Living in Erie

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio12.2%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$160,000
Home Price / Salary1.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$32,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Erie

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
270,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
38.6
Median Age

Erie has a metro population of 270,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Erie, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Erie is $83,756 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Erie's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $68,334 (25th percentile) to $99,800 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $116,718.

Is Erie affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $83,756 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Erie would spend approximately 12.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Erie relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $160,000 is 1.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Erie's overall income?

Erie's median household income is $51,400. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $83,756 earns 62.9% more than the typical Erie household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.