Physical Therapist in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) considering Edmond, you're looking at a market that pays slightly below the national average but offers a significantly lower cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Edmond metro area is $97,017/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.64/hour. For context, the national average for PTs sits at $99,710/year. While you'd be earning about $2,693 less annually than the U.S. median, your money goes much further here. The metro area supports a solid job market for the specialty, with approximately 196 Physical Therapist positions available. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 14%—a healthy outlook that aligns with national trends due to an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services.

To understand where you fit in this landscape, here's a typical experience-level breakdown for the Edmond area:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Edmond)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $88,000	Often starts in outpatient clinics or hospital rotations. Focus is on building core competencies.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$88,000 - $105,000	This is where the median $97,017 sits. PTs here manage their own caseloads, may specialize, and have more autonomy.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$105,000 - $120,000+	Often involve lead therapist roles, clinic management, or specialized clinical tracks (e.g., orthopedic manual therapy).
Expert/Leadership (12+ years)	$120,000 - $135,000+	Typically found in director roles, academia at local universities, or as highly specialized consultants.

When you compare Edmond to other major Oklahoma cities, the picture becomes clearer. Oklahoma City, the state's largest metro, often has a higher cost of living and slightly higher salaries, but the difference is marginal. Tulsa's market is comparable to Edmond's, while smaller cities like Lawton or Stillwater have fewer jobs and lower pay scales. Edmond's advantage isn't in topping the salary charts; it's in the powerful combination of a stable, growing job market and a cost of living that is 9% below the national average (Cost of Living Index: 91.0). For a PT, this financial breathing room can be more valuable than a slightly higher gross salary in a more expensive city.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially the larger hospital systems and university-affiliated clinics, offer robust benefits packages. These can include significant contributions to retirement plans (403b/401k), paid time off, and continuing education stipends, which can add $10,000-$15,000 in annual value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning the median salary of $97,017 in Edmond, OK, means your financial reality is heavily influenced by the city's low housing costs. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Physical Therapist living in Edmond, assuming a standard tax withholdings for Oklahoma (Federal, FICA, State).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,085
• Estimated Net Monthly Pay (after taxes): ~$6,150 (This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home can vary based on pre-tax deductions for health insurance, retirement, etc.)
• Average 1BR Rent in Edmond: $773/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$6,150	After federal, state, and FICA taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$773	Well below the national average. This is your biggest win.
Utilities	$250	Includes electric, water, gas, internet.
Groceries	$450	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	Assumes a moderate car payment and insurance. Edmond is car-dependent.
Gas/Transport	$200	Moderate commute; no tolls in the metro.
Health Insurance	$300	Portion paid by employee.
Student Loans	$300	Varies widely, but a common figure for PTs.
Retirement Savings	$615	10% of gross pay, a recommended starting point.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Social life, streaming services, etc.
Miscellaneous	$300	Clothing, personal care, hobbies.
Total Expenses	$4,138
Remaining/Savings	$2,012	This surplus is significant for building an emergency fund, saving for a house, or investing.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,000 per month, a PT in Edmond is in an excellent position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Edmond is approximately $285,000. A 20% down payment would be $57,000. By saving $2,000/month, you could reach that goal in about 2.5 years. Compared to cities where median home prices exceed $400,000, Edmond offers a tangible path to homeownership for healthcare professionals.

Insider Tip: Look into the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs. They offer down payment assistance and favorable mortgage rates for first-time homebuyers, especially in professions like healthcare. This can reduce your needed down payment significantly.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

The job market for PTs in Edmond is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, specialized outpatient clinics, and educational institutions. Hiring is steady, with a particular demand for therapists in orthopedics, sports medicine, and geriatrics. Here are the key players you should be targeting:

1. INTEGRIS Health Edmond: A cornerstone of the local healthcare network. Their outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinics are major employers. They often hire for full-time positions with competitive benefits. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on therapists who are manual therapy certified or have sports rehab experience.

2. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Edmond: Part of a large Catholic health system, SSM offers both inpatient rehab and outpatient services. They are known for a strong rehab department and often seek PTs with experience in neurological or cardiac rehab. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with openings often posted on their careers page before external job boards.

3. OU Health - Edmond Medical Center: As part of the state's premier academic health system, this facility provides a range of services, including outpatient therapy. Working here can offer connections to research and teaching opportunities at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Hiring Trend: Competitive; they often prefer candidates with a clinical doctorate (DPT) and a passion for evidence-based practice.

4. Therapy Plus Inc.: A well-regarded local outpatient orthopedic practice with multiple locations in the Edmond and north OKC area. They are known for a strong emphasis on manual therapy and one-on-one patient care. Hiring Trend: Actively growing, they frequently hire new graduates and experienced therapists looking to specialize in orthopedics.

5. Select Physical Therapy: A national chain with a significant presence in Edmond. They offer a structured career path, mentorship for new graduates, and opportunities to work with athletes. Hiring Trend: High volume of postings; good for entry-level PTs seeking a supportive, corporate-style environment.

6. Edmond Public Schools: The school district employs Physical Therapists to work with students in the special education program. This is a niche but stable role with a school-year schedule and summers off. Hiring Trend: Positions are competitive and often require experience with pediatric populations.

7. BancFirst Center for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation: A newer, state-of-the-art facility focused on sports performance and rehab. They cater to athletes from the local high schools and colleges, offering a different pace from traditional clinical settings. Hiring Trend: Growing as the center establishes itself; they look for therapists with strong manual skills and a background in sports.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post jobs on their own websites first. Set up job alerts directly on the INTEGRIS, SSM, and OU Health career portals. Also, networking with therapists at local continuing education courses (often held in Oklahoma City) is a shortcut to learning about unposted openings.

Getting Licensed in OK

Licensure is non-negotiable. Oklahoma requires a state license to practice as a Physical Therapist. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. The governing body is the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OBMLS).

Key Requirements:

1. Education: A graduation from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapy program (a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is now the standard).
2. National Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state-specific laws and rules for PT practice.
4. Background Check: Submit to a national criminal background check.
5. Application: Complete and submit the application form with all required fees and documentation.

Timeline and Costs:

• Application Processing: The OBMLS typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks after receiving all documents. It's recommended to apply as soon as you have proof of passing the NPTE.
• Total Cost: Expect to pay approximately $300 - $400 in total fees. This includes:
  • Initial License Application Fee: $190
  • Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
  • Background Check Fee: $50
  • NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485 (paid to FSBPT, not the state board).
• Reciprocity: Oklahoma is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other compact member states to obtain a license in Oklahoma more easily. If you're moving from a non-compact state, you'll need to apply by endorsement, which follows the same basic process.

Pro Tip: Start the application process before you move. You can begin your application with the OBMLS while you're still in your home state, and often you can take the Jurisprudence Exam online. This can significantly shorten the time between your move and your first day of work.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Edmond is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle. For a PT with a typical 9-5 or 9-6 schedule, commute times and access to amenities are key.

1. Downtown Edmond: The heart of the city. You're walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and the Edmond Historical Society. It's ideal if you want an urban feel without the big-city hustle. Commutes to major employers like INTEGRIS or SSM are under 10 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,200/month.

2. The Vineyard/Belle Isle: A highly desirable area north of I-35, known for its newer homes, excellent schools, and proximity to shopping (like the Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City). It's a family-friendly suburb with a short commute to most clinics. Rent for 1BR: $800 - $1,000/month.

3. Eastside Edmond: More established and affordable, with older, well-maintained homes and mature trees. It offers a quiet, suburban feel and is close to Mitch Park and the Edmond Community Center. Commutes are easy via major roads like Broadway and 2nd Street. Rent for 1BR: $700 - $900/month.

4. North Edmond (near Covell Road): This area is rapidly developing with new apartments and subdivisions. It's convenient for therapists working at clinics near the I-35 corridor or in north Oklahoma City. It's a bit more car-centric but offers modern amenities. Rent for 1BR: $750 - $950/month.

5. Central Edmond (around the University of Central Oklahoma): Offers a vibrant, slightly younger energy. It's walkable, with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Great for PTs who want to be near the action or have an interest in academic settings. Rent for 1BR: $750 - $1,100/month.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Edmond is generally mild, but the I-35 and I-335 (Turner Turnpike) corridors can get congested during rush hour. If you land a job in Oklahoma City proper, living on the north side of Edmond near the Kilpatrick Turnpike can make your commute much more predictable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Edmond offers stable advancement without the hyper-competitive pressure of major coastal cities. Your growth will come from specialization, leadership, and leveraging local networks.

• Specialty Premiums: While Edmond employers may not always offer a direct "salary bump" for certifications, having a specialization makes you a highly competitive candidate for the best jobs. Pursuing these credentials can increase your earning potential by 10-15% over your career.
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in outpatient clinics.
  • Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Essential for roles with sports teams or high-performance centers.
  • Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Critical for roles in home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient geriatrics.
• Advancement Paths: The common trajectory is from clinical staff to lead therapist, then to clinic director or regional manager. Another path is moving into education, with opportunities at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) or as a clinical instructor for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (which has a DPT program in Oklahoma City). Some PTs also transition into corporate wellness roles with large local employers like Devon Energy or Chesapeake Energy.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% projected job growth is robust. Edmond's population is aging, and the city continues to expand northward, creating new demand for outpatient and home health services. The rise of telehealth may also open up new roles for remote consultations, though hands-on care will remain the core of the profession. A PT who establishes themselves in Edmond over a decade will likely see their income grow from the median $97,017 into the $115,000+ range, all while enjoying a cost of living that remains manageable.

Insider Tip: Get involved with the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association (OPTA). Attending their annual conference and local meetings is the single best way to network, learn about leadership opportunities, and stay on top of changes in state law and practice standards.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Edmond is not a flashy, high-growth city for young professionals chasing startup culture. It is a stable, family-oriented community that offers healthcare professionals a fantastic quality of life. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $97,017 salary stretches far, enabling homeownership and savings.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a suburban city; for major concerts or cultural events, you'll drive to OKC.
Stable Job Market: 196 jobs and 14% growth provide security.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transportation is limited.
Short Commutes: Most neighborhoods offer sub-20-minute drives to major employers.	Less Diversity: The population is less diverse than national averages, which can affect social circles.
Family-Friendly: Excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundant parks.	Weather: Summers are very hot, and tornado season (spring) is a reality.
Strong Community: Easy to get involved in local activities and build a professional network.	Slower Pace: If you thrive on constant, big-city energy, it may feel quiet.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a sense of community. It's ideal for new graduates looking to pay down student loans, mid-career therapists seeking to buy a home and start a family, or experienced PTs who want a slower pace without sacrificing career opportunities. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary above all else, you might look to larger metros. But if you want a thriving career and a high quality of life, Edmond delivers a powerful combination.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. Will I find a job in Edmond?
Yes. The 14% job growth and steady demand mean employers are actively hiring new graduates. Clinics like Select Physical Therapy and Therapy Plus are known for their mentorship programs. Be prepared to start in outpatient orthopedics or home health, which are common entry points.

2. How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
It feels liberating. With the median 1BR rent at $773, you avoid the "rent burden