Physical Therapist in Broomfield, CO

As a career analyst who has watched Broomfield evolve from a quiet suburb to a dynamic hub in the Front Range, I can tell you that for Physical Therapists, this city offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle. It’s not the sprawling metropolis of Denver, but its strategic location between Denver and Boulder, combined with a strong healthcare infrastructure, makes it a compelling market. This guide is built on hard data, local knowledge, and the kind of insider insights you won't find in generic job postings.

Let's break down what a career as a Physical Therapist in Broomfield really looks like.

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

Broomfield’s salary landscape for PTs is strong, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary here is $101,355/year, with an hourly rate of $48.73/hour. This sits noticeably above the national average of $99,710/year. The local job market is tight, with approximately 153 PT jobs in the metro area, which keeps demand and compensation competitive. Looking ahead, the 10-year job growth is projected at 14%, which is robust, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient musculoskeletal care.

To understand how this breaks down by experience, here’s an estimate based on the local market and regional trends:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Broomfield, CO)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	Often starts in hospital systems or large outpatient chains; may include sign-on bonuses.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$98,000 - $110,000	Specialization (e.g., orthopedics, neuro) and taking on mentorship roles boost pay.
Senior/Lead (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $122,000	Involves clinical leadership, managing teams, or working in high-revenue specialties.
Expert/ARC (15+ years)	$122,000+	Top earners are clinic directors, practice owners, or consultants with niche expertise.

How does this compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver: Slightly higher median salary (~$104,000), but significantly higher competition and commute times. Rents are also about 15-20% higher.
• Boulder: Similar salary range to Broomfield, but the cost of living is notoriously high, especially for housing. The market is more saturated with academia and research-oriented roles.
• Colorado Springs: Median salary is closer to $96,000, with a lower cost of living. Broomfield offers a better salary-to-rent ratio.
• Fort Collins: Median around $98,000; a vibrant college town feel but more isolated from the Denver metro's broader opportunities.

Broomfield hits a sweet spot: competitive pay without the extreme costs of Boulder or the intense competition of Denver proper.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. On a $101,355 median salary, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes (assuming single filer, no dependents, standard deduction) is approximately $74,000 - $76,000 annually, or about $6,165 - $6,330/month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Broomfield is $1,835/month. This is critical context: the Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), meaning it's 5.5% more expensive than the national average, largely driven by housing.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,330	Based on median salary after taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	Average for Broomfield. Newer complexes in Superior or Interlocken can be $2,000+.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, internet. Xcel Energy is the primary provider.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Colorado has moderate insurance rates. A reliable AWD vehicle is a near-necessity.
Groceries	$400	King Soopers (Kroger) and Safeway are staples; Costco in Westminster is popular.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely; many employers cover a significant portion.
Student Loans	$400	Typical for a DPT graduate.
Retirement (401k)	$630	Aim for 10% of gross pay.
Discretionary	$2,065	Covers dining out, entertainment, travel, savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Broomfield is approximately $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), your monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) would be around $2,750, plus taxes and insurance (~$350), totaling $3,100/month. This is about 49% of your gross monthly income ($8,446), which is above the recommended 28-36% debt-to-income ratio. Insider Tip: Many PTs in Broomfield buy their first homes in neighboring cities like Thornton, Northglenn, or Westminster where prices dip to the $450,000 - $500,000 range, making homeownership more accessible while keeping commutes reasonable (15-25 minutes).

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players, with spillover from the adjacent Denver and Boulder markets.

1. SCL Health (now Intermountain Healthcare) - Broomfield Campus: This is the largest anchor. They have a full-service hospital and numerous outpatient clinics. They are a major hirer for inpatient rehab, acute care, and outpatient orthopedics. Hiring is steady, with a focus on evidence-based practice.
2. Banner Health (formerly North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton): Just a 10-minute drive northeast, this hospital system is a huge employer for PTs, especially in acute care, ICU, and sub-acute rehab. Their outpatient sports medicine clinics are also active.
3. UCHealth - Broomfield Hospital: A newer, state-of-the-art facility. They are expanding their outpatient rehab services, particularly in neuro and vestibular rehab. Hiring trends show a preference for PTs with advanced certifications.
4. Outpatient Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinics: This is where the majority of jobs are. Chains like Select Physical Therapy (multiple locations in Broomfield/Westminster), ATI Physical Therapy, and Peak Performance PT (local private practice) are always looking. They value PTs with OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist) credentials.
5. Home Health & Hospice Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and BrightStar Care serve Broomfield's growing senior population. This offers flexibility and autonomy but requires strong time-management skills. Pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative.
6. School District 27J (Brighton/Broomfield area): For those interested in pediatrics, the school district hires PTs for early intervention and school-based services. The schedule aligns with the academic calendar, which is a major draw for work-life balance.
7. Colorado Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser): While their main campus is in Denver, they serve the entire Front Range. Kaiser offers excellent benefits and a structured career path, though competition for positions is high.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards value-based care and integrated health systems. Clinics that can show improved patient outcomes and reduced costs are thriving. There's also high demand for PTs willing to work in home health and telehealth hybrid models, a trend accelerated by the pandemic.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Colorado State Board of Physical Therapy oversees it.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, based on state statutes).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
5. Application: Complete the application via the Colorado State Board of Physical Therapy website, submitting transcripts, exam scores, and fees.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Fee: ~$485
• Colorado Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50
• Licensure Application Fee: ~$150
• Total Estimated Cost: $700 - $800 (excluding study materials).
• Timeline: From application submission to receiving your license typically takes 6-8 weeks if all documents are in order. Pro Tip: Start the process 3 months before your planned move. Colorado is a compact state (part of the PT Compact), which simplifies licensure for PTs already licensed in another compact member state.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live in Broomfield depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Interlocken/Broomfield Corporate Center: This is the heart of Broomfield's business district, home to Intermountain Broomfield Hospital and many corporate offices. It's modern, with newer apartment complexes and easy access to US-36. Commute: 5-10 minutes to major employers. Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200 for a 1BR.
2. The Broadlands: A master-planned community on the north side of Broomfield, known for its parks, trails, and family-friendly vibe. It's quieter and more suburban. Commute: 10-15 minutes to Interlocken; 20-25 to Denver. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
3. Superior (adjacent to Broomfield): Technically its own town but seamlessly connected. It has a vibrant downtown (Superior Marketplace), excellent schools, and newer housing. Slightly higher cost of living. Commute: 10-15 minutes to Broomfield employers. Rent Estimate: $1,850 - $2,300 for a 1BR.
4. Westminster (near US-36 & 104th Ave): Offers more affordable housing options while keeping you within a 15-minute drive to Broomfield. It has a mix of older neighborhoods and new developments. Commute: 15-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR.
5. Arvada (West of Broomfield): If you want a more established, historic feel with a great downtown, Arvada is a great choice. The commute is a bit longer but manageable on the toll road (US-36 Express Lanes). Commute: 20-30 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,650 - $2,000 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Broomfield is an excellent place to build a long-term career. The 10-year job growth of 14% ensures opportunities won't dry up.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary, especially in private outpatient clinics.
• Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Highly valued by sports medicine clinics and high school/college athletic programs. Premium of $7,000 - $12,000.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): In demand at hospitals and specialty neuro rehab centers. Premium of $8,000 - $15,000.
• Pelvic Health Specialists: This niche is exploding. Clinics with pelvic health services often have waitlists. Certification can add $10,000+ and offer significant autonomy.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, then to Clinical Instructor or Clinic Director.
2. Private Practice: Many experienced PTs in Broomfield open their own cash-based or hybrid insurance practices, especially in niches like pelvic health or sports performance. This is where earning potential can far exceed the median.
3. Education & Consulting: With the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus nearby, opportunities exist for clinical faculty roles. Consulting for local employers or legal firms is another avenue.

10-Year Outlook: The PT field is shifting towards preventative care and wellness. PTs who can market themselves as movement experts for aging populations, chronic pain management, and athletic performance will thrive. Broomfield's demographic—growing families and active retirees—aligns perfectly with these trends.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($101,355) relative to cost of living.	Housing costs are high, making homeownership a challenge on a single PT salary.
Diverse job market from hospitals to private practice.	Traffic on US-36 can be heavy during rush hour; a toll lane is an added expense.
Access to outdoor recreation (Flatirons, Rocky Mountain National Park).	Limited nightlife compared to Denver or Boulder; it's a suburb, not a city.
Strong 10-year job growth (14%).	Competitive market for the best positions; requires networking.
Excellent work-life balance with short commutes.	Winters can be long (though sunny); seasonal affective disorder is a consideration.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for mid-career PTs and those seeking a stable, family-friendly environment with solid career growth. It's ideal if you value proximity to mountains, a manageable commute, and a strong healthcare community. It may be challenging for new graduates on a single income to buy a home immediately, but it's a fantastic place to build equity and experience. If you crave the energy of a major city, consider living in Denver and commuting, but you'll sacrifice time and money. For most, Broomfield offers the best balance in the Front Range.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for PTs in Broomfield saturated?
No. With 153 jobs in the metro and 14% growth, demand is healthy. However, the most desirable positions (e.g., at Intermountain or top outpatient clinics) are competitive. Specializing and networking through local Colorado PT associations will give you an edge.

2. What's the cost of living really like compared to Denver?
Broomfield's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, while Denver's is around 115. You get more housing for your dollar in Broomfield, but you're farther from the core downtown amenities. A $1,835 average 1BR rent gets you a modern unit in Broomfield, whereas in Denver you might be in an older building.

3. Do I need a car in Broomfield?
Yes, absolutely. Public transit (RTD) exists but is not comprehensive enough for a reliable daily commute between neighborhoods and employers. A car is essential for groceries, recreation, and work.

4. How do I get involved in the local PT community?
Join the Colorado Physical Therapy Network (CPTN) and attend their annual conference. Many clinics in Broomfield participate in local health fairs and run study groups for specialty certifications. It's a tight-knit community.

5. What's the worst part about working as a PT in Broomfield?
For some, it's the "suburban feel." If you're used to urban density, Broomfield can feel quiet. Also, navigating the healthcare system between Broomfield, Denver, and Boulder can be complex for patients, requiring strong care coordination skills from you.

Sources for data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national averages and job outlook, Colorado State Board of Physical Therapy for licensure info, local real estate and rental market analyses, and employer websites for specific job trends.