Physical Therapist in Dearborn, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Dearborn Stands

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) eyeing Dearborn, the financials are solid. The median salary here sits at $99,111/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.65/hour. That's virtually identical to the national average of $99,710/year, meaning you won't be taking a pay cut to live in a city with a lower cost of living. This is a key advantage for Dearborn compared to major coastal metros where PT salaries might be higher but are eaten up by housing costs.

Here's how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the metro area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Dearborn)	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $88,000	$36.06 - $42.31
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$90,000 - $105,000	$43.27 - $50.48
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$105,000 - $120,000	$50.48 - $57.69
Expert/Specialist (12+ yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000+	$55.29 - $64.90+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median data and typical industry progression. Salaries at large systems like Henry Ford Health can reach the higher end for specialists.

Compared to other Michigan cities, Dearborn holds its own. While Detroit's median salary might be slightly lower (around $98,000), the cost of living is also comparable. Ann Arbor's salaries are often higher (median ~$102,500), but housing costs there are significantly steeper. Grand Rapids offers a lower cost of living but also a lower median PT salary (around $92,000). Dearborn's sweet spot is its balance: a competitive salary anchored by a stable, major employer and a cost of living that's 2% below the national average.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning the Dearborn median of $99,111 means your take-home pay after taxes will be approximately $6,800 - $7,200/month, depending on your filing status and deductions. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single PT living in a standard 1BR apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single PT, $99,111 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,259	$99,111 ÷ 12
Taxes & Deductions	-$1,350 - $1,600	Federal, FICA, State, Health Ins.
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,659 - $6,909
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,029	Dearborn avg; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$200 - $250	Michigan winters = higher heating bills
Transportation	-$300 - $500	Car payment/gas/insurance or occasional Uber
Groceries	-$400 - $500	Shop at local spots like Dearborn Fresh
Health Insurance	-$200 - $400	Employer-sponsored (often lower)
Retirement Savings (401k)	-$400 - $800	Aim for 5-8% to start
Discretionary Spending	$1,080 - $1,680	Dining out, entertainment, personal care

Can a PT afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly take-home of ~$7,000, a mortgage is very feasible. The median home price in Dearborn is around $240,000. A 20% down payment ($48,000) for a $240,000 home with a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would be roughly $1,596/month (principal & interest, plus taxes and insurance). This is significantly more than rent but manageable on a single PT income, especially with dual-income households. Many PTs here live in the suburbs after a few years, buying in areas like Dearborn Heights or West Bloomfield for more space.

Where the Jobs Are: Dearborn's Major Employers

Dearborn's healthcare ecosystem is dominated by one giant, but it's supported by a robust network of private practices and outpatient clinics. Job availability is strong; there are approximately 211 PT jobs in the broader metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 14%, outpacing the national average.

1. Henry Ford Health (Henry Ford Medical Group - Dearborn): The absolute anchor employer. They operate multiple clinics in and around Dearborn (including the flagship Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, just minutes away). They hire for outpatient orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine, and inpatient rehab. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on PTs with DPT degrees and orthopedic residency completion. Insider Tip: Check the Henry Ford careers page directly; they often post for specific clinics like the Henry Ford Medical Group in Dearborn on Warren Ave.

2. Ascension Michigan (St. John Hospital - Detroit): While not in Dearborn proper, St. John Hospital in neighboring Detroit is a major employer for the metro area. It's a Level 1 trauma center with a large inpatient rehab unit. Many Dearborn-based PTs commute these short distances (10-15 mins). They frequently hire for acute care and subacute rehab roles.

3. Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB) & Affiliated Clinics: Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak (a short drive) is a teaching hospital with a strong PT/OT department. They offer opportunities for clinical education roles and specialty practice, attracting PTs interested in academia and advanced orthopedics.

4. Therapeutic Associates / Private Practices: Numerous smaller private practices operate in Dearborn, specializing in orthopedics, vestibular rehab, or pelvic health. Examples include DeVos Physical Therapy (multiple locations in the metro area) and Michigan Sport & Spine. These clinics often provide a more personalized work environment and may offer bonuses based on patient volume.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Heartland Home Health, Gentiva): With an aging population, home health is a growing sector. PTs in this role travel to patients' homes across Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and the surrounding suburbs. This offers flexibility but requires a reliable vehicle and strong time-management skills.

6. Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health - Ann Arbor): While a 45-minute commute, it's a premier employer. PTs at "U of M" have access to cutting-edge research, elite sports teams (Go Blue!), and some of the highest salaries in the state. It's a long-term career goal for many Dearborn-based PTs. Hiring is competitive and often requires a fellowship or specialty certification.

7. VA Healthcare System (Detroit VA Medical Center): Located in Detroit, the VA offers federal benefits and stability. They hire PTs for geriatrics, orthopedics, and amputee rehab. The hiring process can be slow but offers excellent job security and pensions.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable push towards value-based care and outpatient orthopedics. PTs with skills in manual therapy, dry needling, and telehealth integration are especially in demand. Henry Ford and Beaumont are actively expanding their outpatient networks.

Getting Licensed in Michigan

Michigan's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees PT licensure via the Board of Physical Therapy.

Step-by-Step Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program. If you have an older MPT, it's still valid.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. The exam fee is $485 (paid to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy - FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Michigan requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam. It's an online, open-book test about Michigan's PT practice act. The fee is $40.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required for all applicants. Costs vary but are typically $65-$75.
5. Application & Fees: Submit your application to LARA. The total initial licensure fee is $190.
6. Total Estimated Cost: $780 - $790 (excluding NPTE prep courses or travel to testing centers).

Timeline: From graduation to full licensure can take 3-6 months. You can apply for a temporary permit to start working while your NPTE results are processed (a 90-day temporary permit costs $55). Insider Tip: Schedule your NPTE as soon as you're eligible. Michigan is not part of the early candidate testing window, so you'll test after graduation.

Continuing Education: Michigan requires 50 hours of CE every 2 years, with 2 hours mandatory on pain and pain management. Courses can be taken online or in-person (e.g., through the Michigan Physical Therapy Association - MPTA).

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Dearborn is a dense, historic city with distinct neighborhoods. Commute times are generally short, but lifestyle varies.

1. Dearborn Central (East): The heart of the city. Close to Henry Ford Medical Group clinics, the Henry Ford Museum, and the vibrant Arab American commercial district on Warren Ave. Commute to major employers is under 10 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $1,000 - $1,200/month. Best for those who want a walkable, culturally rich environment.

2. Dearborn Heights (West of Dearborn): A separate but adjacent city. More residential, with single-family homes. Slightly lower cost of living. Commute to Dearborn central jobs is 10-15 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,100/month. Ideal for PTs looking for more space and a quieter, suburban feel while staying close to work.

3. Smith's Corner (North of Ford Road): A mix of historic homes and apartments. Very central, close to the Dearborn Inn and Greenfield Village. Commute is easy to all major employers. Rent for 1BR: $1,050 - $1,250/month. Great for professionals who appreciate historic charm and a central location.

4. The South End (Near Southfield Freeway): More modern apartment complexes. Easy access to I-94 for commuting to Detroit or Ann Arbor. Less historic charm, more convenience. Rent for 1BR: $950 - $1,150/month. Perfect for those with a longer commute (e.g., to Beaumont) who want quick highway access.

5. Fairlane (West of Dearborn): An affluent suburb just west of Dearborn (technically in Wayne County). Larger homes, excellent schools, and a very short commute to the southern part of Dearborn. Rent for 1BR: Not a rental-heavy area, but $1,300+ if available. A long-term goal after starting a family.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Dearborn provides a stable platform for long-term growth, especially within the Henry Ford system. With a 14% job growth outlook, opportunities will expand.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): The most common and valued specialty. Can add $8,000-$15,000 to your base salary. Henry Ford and Beaumont offer residency programs to help you achieve this.
• Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Highly desirable. With Detroit's sports culture (Red Wings, Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and U of M), opportunities exist with university teams or private sports clinics. Premium can be $10,000-$20,000+.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): In high demand due to stroke and trauma volume at Henry Ford and St. John. Can command a $7,000-$12,000 premium.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche with less competition. Private practices are seeking these specialists. Premium is strong, often $5,000-$10,000.
• Management/Clinic Director: Moving into administration at a Henry Ford clinic or managing a private practice is a common path. This can push earnings to $120,000+.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to an aging population and the focus on reducing opioid use in favor of physical therapy. The rise of AI and telehealth in diagnostics will change how PTs work but not reduce the need for hands-on, skilled therapists. Dearborn's PTs who specialize will see the most significant salary growth and job security.

The Verdict: Is Dearborn Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($99,111 median) with a low cost of living (98.0 Index).	Winters are harsh (can impact commutes and outdoor activities).
Anchor Employer (Henry Ford) offers stability and diverse practice opportunities.	Heavy reliance on a single major employer can limit options compared to larger metros.
Excellent, short commutes to work and Detroit's amenities (20 mins).	Cultural & Social Scene is quieter than Ann Arbor or Royal Oak; it's a family-oriented city.
Strong Job Growth (14%) and a demand for specialists.	Public Schools are variable; families often move to suburbs for education.
Diverse, tight-knit community with a rich cultural heritage.	Traffic congestion around Ford Road and Fairlane Mall during peak hours.

Final Recommendation: Dearborn is an excellent choice for mid-career PTs seeking stability, a great work-life balance, and financial comfort. It's particularly ideal for those who value short commutes, a lower cost of living, and proximity to a major health system without the chaos of a downtown core. It may feel too quiet for a new graduate seeking a vibrant nightlife, but it's a fantastic place to build a career and raise a family. For those wanting to specialize within a prestigious system, the path through Henry Ford is clear and rewarding.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new DPT graduate in Dearborn?
A: Yes, but competitive. Henry Ford's residency programs are a primary entry point. Apply early, have your NPTE scheduled, and be flexible on clinical setting (e.g., be open to home health or outpatient ortho to get your foot in the door).

Q: How is the work-life balance for PTs here?
A: Generally very good. Most jobs are standard clinic hours (8am-5pm, M-F). Hospital roles may include weekends or evenings, but not as frequently as in major trauma centers. The short commute adds significant time back to your day.

Q: Do I need a car in Dearborn?
A: Yes. Public transportation (DDOT buses) exists but is not as comprehensive as in Detroit. Most PTs drive to work, run errands, and explore the region. Access to I-94, US-12, and I-96 makes driving easy.

Q: What's the best way to network with local PTs?
A: Join the Michigan Physical Therapy Association (MPTA). Attend their annual conference in Lansing. Locally, connect with the Henry Ford Physical Therapy Residency alumni network. LinkedIn is also effective—search for PTs at Henry Ford or Beaumont in the area.

Q: Are there opportunities for non-clinical work?
A: Yes. Henry Ford has roles in quality improvement, research coordination, and education. Private practices may offer leadership or marketing roles. A PT with an MBA or healthcare admin experience is highly valued in these positions.