Physical Therapist in Colorado Springs, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

As a local career analyst, I can tell you that Colorado Springs offers a compelling salary proposition for Physical Therapists (PTs), especially when you factor in the city's cost of living. The median salary for a PT here is $98,932/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.56/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but the local economic context makes it feel stronger. The job market is robust, with 977 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 14%, which is significantly higher than the national average for many professions.

To understand the salary landscape, it's crucial to break it down by experience level. The following table provides a realistic progression based on local market data and industry standards. Note that these are estimates, but they reflect the common tiers you'll find in Colorado Springs clinics and hospitals.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Colorado Springs)	Key Factors Influencing Pay
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$80,000 - $92,000	Often starts in outpatient clinics or hospital rotations. Specialization is limited.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $108,000	This is where most PTs land. Orthopedics, sports medicine, and acute care experience pay a premium.
Senior (8-15 years)	$108,000 - $120,000	Leads to supervisory roles, clinic director positions, or highly sought-after specialties.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$125,000+	Includes director of rehab, corporate-level positions, or owning a private practice.

When comparing Colorado Springs to other Colorado cities, the picture gets interesting. Denver's median salary is higher (closer to $105,000), but the cost of living is substantially greater. Fort Collins is competitive but has a smaller job market. Insider Tip: The median salary of $98,932 in Colorado Springs goes further here than in Denver, Boulder, or Aspen. You're trading a slightly lower top-end salary for a significantly more affordable lifestyle, which is a major draw for many PTs seeking work-life balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How far does that $98,932 salary actually go in Colorado Springs? Using the current average 1BR rent of $1,408/month and a Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (US avg = 100), we can build a realistic monthly budget.

Here’s a breakdown for a single PT earning the median salary (pre-tax):

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$8,244	($98,932 / 12)
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	-$2,450	Approx. 29.7% effective rate for this bracket
Net Take-Home	$5,794
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,408	Average for the metro area
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; winter heating can spike
Groceries	-$400
Car Payment/Insurance	-$600	Assumes a modest car loan; insurance is higher in CO
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$200	Post-tax premium
Retirement (401k - 5%)	-$412	Pre-tax, crucial for long-term growth
Misc/Entertainment	-$500	Dining out, hobbies, travel fund
Remaining	$1,024	Savings, Debt, or Extra Mortgage Payment

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Colorado Springs is around $450,000. With a $98,932 salary, a 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle, but not impossible with aggressive savings. Using a standard 28/36 rule, your maximum monthly housing payment (including taxes and insurance) should be around $2,300. A $360,000 mortgage at current rates would be close to that. Insider Tip: Many PTs I speak with buy in neighborhoods like Security-Widefield or Fountain (south of the city) or Black Forest (north) where prices are lower, trading a longer commute for homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The job market for PTs here is diverse, spanning large hospital systems, specialty clinics, and private practices. The 977 jobs in the metro area are concentrated among a few key players. Hiring trends show a strong demand for outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine roles, as well as home health and skilled nursing facility positions due to the aging population.

1. UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central: The largest employer in the city. Their rehabilitation services are top-tier, with openings in acute care, outpatient neuro, and orthopedics. They often have tuition reimbursement and strong clinical residency programs.
2. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services (Centura Health): A major competitor to UCHealth. Their network includes two hospitals and a large outpatient rehab center. They are known for a strong culture and opportunities in pelvic health and vestibular rehab.
3. Children's Hospital Colorado (South Campus): Located in the north part of the city (near the Air Force Academy), this is a premier employer for pediatric PTs. The demand is high, and they offer specialized training.
4. Barricks Physical Therapy: A large, locally-owned outpatient practice with multiple locations across the city (including downtown and the north side). They are known for a strong focus on manual therapy and sports rehab. A great place for a new grad to get broad experience.
5. Therapeutic Associates, Inc.: Another significant outpatient provider with clinics in Old Colorado City and the Briargate area. They have a reputation for professional development and mentorship.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, LHC Group): The demand for home health PTs is growing rapidly with the city's aging population. Jobs offer autonomy and a different pace but require strong time-management skills.
7. Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group: A specialized, high-end clinic focusing purely on orthopedics. This is a competitive spot for experienced PTs, offering higher pay and a focused caseload.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a straightforward licensing process, but it requires planning. All PTs must be licensed by the Colorado Board of Physical Therapy, which is overseen by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Step 1: Education & Examination
You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). The exam fee is approximately $485.

Step 2: Colorado Jurisprudence Exam
Colorado requires a separate, open-book state jurisprudence exam. It must be passed with a 75% or higher. The fee is $50.

Step 3: Background Check & Application

• Submit a full application to the Colorado Board, including transcripts and NPTE scores.
• Undergo a national background check (fingerprints). The fee is $39.
• Application fee: $118.

Total Estimated Licensing Cost: ~$692 (excluding NPTE study materials).

Timeline to Get Started: From submitting your application to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks if all documents are in order. Insider Tip: Start the process before you move. You can practice in Colorado under a temporary permit (good for 90 days) while your full license is pending, which is essential if you have a job offer waiting.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Your choice of neighborhood will affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Colorado Springs is geographically spread out, so proximity to major employers is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Briargate / Northgate	Modern, suburban, family-oriented. ~15-20 min drive to UCHealth Memorial (north campus) & Children's Hospital. Easy access to I-25.	$1,500 - $1,700	Young professionals, new families. High-quality schools.
Old Colorado City	Historic, walkable, artsy. ~10-15 min drive to downtown hospitals and Barricks PT. More character, older buildings.	$1,300 - $1,550	Those who want a neighborhood feel with local cafes and shops.
Downtown / Capitol Hill	Urban, dense, walkable. ~5-10 min commute to Penrose-St. Francis. More apartments, fewer large complexes.	$1,350 - $1,600	Urban dwellers who want a short commute and nightlife.
Security-Widefield / Fountain	Affordable, family-focused, south of the city. ~20-25 min commute to most hospitals. More house for the money.	$1,100 - $1,350	Those prioritizing homeownership or a larger space on a budget.
Westside (near 31st St)	Trendy, close to Garden of the Gods. ~10-15 min commute. Mix of older homes and new apartments. Higher cost.	$1,600 - $1,900	Outdoor enthusiasts who want quick access to trails and parks.

Insider Tip: If you work at a hospital in Central Colorado Springs (like UCHealth Memorial), living in the Briargate or Northgate area provides the best balance of commute and amenities. For outpatient clinics in the Old Colorado City or Downtown area, living in those same neighborhoods is ideal to avoid cross-town traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Colorado Springs is an excellent place to build a long-term career. The 10-year job growth of 14% indicates sustained demand, and there are clear paths for advancement.

Specialty Premiums: Pursuing board-certified specialties (OCS, SCS, NCS, etc.) can increase your salary by 10-20%. Colorado Springs has a strong orthopedic and sports medicine community, making the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) particularly valuable. Pelvic health and vestibular rehab are also growing niches with few providers, allowing for premium rates.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: Senior PT → Lead PT → Clinic Director (often at a Barricks or Therapeutic Associates location).
2. Hospital Track: Staff PT → Charge PT → Manager of Rehabilitation Services (at UCHealth or Penrose).
3. Private Practice: The entrepreneurial path. Colorado Springs has a supportive business community. Buying or starting a cash-based practice (e.g., in pelvic health, concussion management) can be lucrative given the city's active population and military presence.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong, driven by the aging population and the city's growing reputation as a health and wellness hub. The military presence (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, USAFA) creates a stable patient base for orthopedics and trauma rehab. PTs with experience in amputee rehab or pain management will find unique opportunities with the veteran community.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $98,932 salary goes much further than in Denver or Boulder.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are higher in Denver, though cost of living erodes that advantage.
Strong Job Market: 977 jobs and 14% growth mean you're in demand.	Commute Challenges: The city is spread out; you must choose your neighborhood wisely.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Immediate access to hiking, biking, and climbing is a major perk for active PTs.	Smaller Cultural Scene: Compared to Denver, there are fewer concerts, museums, and dining options.
Diverse Employers: From major hospitals to niche private practices, you have options.	Traffic: While not as bad as Denver, rush hour on I-25 can be congested.
Stable Patient Base: The military and aging population provide consistent demand.	Weather: Winters are mild but can be unpredictable; you need a reliable car with AWD.

Final Recommendation: Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for mid-career PTs and early-career professionals who value work-life balance and outdoor access over the highest possible salary. It's ideal for those looking to buy a home, raise a family, or enjoy an active lifestyle without the extreme costs of larger metro areas. If you're a new grad, the mentorship programs at UCHealth or Penrose are a fantastic launchpad. If you're an experienced PT seeking a specialty or leadership role, the market is receptive, but you'll need to network with the major employers listed above.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really that much lower than Denver?
A: Absolutely. While the median salary is slightly lower, the Cost of Living Index of 97.4 (vs. Denver's ~115) and lower housing prices (a $450k home vs. Denver's $600k+) mean you'll have more disposable income. The average 1BR rent of $1,408 is a key differentiator.

Q: Do I need a car in Colorado Springs?
A: Yes, unequivocally. Public transit (Mountain Metro) exists but is not comprehensive enough for most PTs, especially those with multiple clinic locations or home health duties. A reliable vehicle with all-wheel drive is a wise investment for winter.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new grads?
A: It's competitive but not impossible. The 14% growth helps. New grads should target hospital residency programs (UCHealth, Penrose) or larger outpatient practices (Barricks, Therapeutic Associates) that offer structured mentorship. Start applying 3-4 months before your graduation date.

Q: What's the best way to network as a PT in Colorado Springs?
A: Join the Colorado Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)—they have local meetings. Attend continuing education courses locally, often hosted by the major hospital systems. Many PTs here are active on LinkedIn, so connect with directors of rehab at your target employers.

Q: Are there opportunities for cash-based or out-of-network PT?
A: Yes, and they're growing. With the city's active population (hikers, cyclists, CrossFitters) and military personnel, there's demand for specialized, high-touch services like sports performance, pelvic health, and concussion management. Opening a cash-based practice in a neighborhood like Old Colorado City or Briargate can be very successful.