Physical Therapist in Farmington Hills, MI

The Salary Picture: Where Farmington Hills Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Farmington Hills offers a stable and competitive market for Physical Therapists (PTs). The cost of living here in suburban Metro Detroit is favorable compared to national averages, which makes the salary range even more potent. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Farmington Hills is $99,111 per year, with an hourly rate of $47.65. This sits right in line with the national average of $99,710 per year, but the lower cost of living gives you a bit more purchasing power here than in cities like New York or San Francisco. The Metro area (which I consider to be the broader Farmington/Farmington Hills, Livonia, and West Bloomfield corridor) has approximately 165 jobs for PTs currently listed on major job boards, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 14%, driven by an aging population and increased demand for outpatient orthopedic and sports rehab services.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown by experience level. While these are estimates based on regional data and local job postings, they reflect the reality on the ground.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Farmington Hills
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000 - $88,000	Often starts with home health or acute care rotations. New grads can secure jobs at major hospital systems like Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont).
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$92,000 - $105,000	This is where the median sits. Specialization (orthopedics, neuro, pelvic health) starts to pay off significantly here.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$105,000 - $118,000	Senior PTs often move into lead clinician, rehab manager, or clinical instructor roles. Private practice and home health agencies pay a premium for this experience.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$118,000+	Clinic directors, private practice owners, or specialized consultants. Top earners work in niche areas like vestibular rehab or pediatric therapy, often with a side hustle.

Compared to other Michigan cities, Farmington Hills is a solid mid-to-upper tier choice:

• Detroit: Similar base pay, but higher demand in acute care and urban outpatient settings. Commute congestion can be a factor.
• Ann Arbor: Slightly higher average salary (closer to $102k) but significantly higher cost of living, especially rent.
• Grand Rapids: Slightly lower median salary (around $95k), but a booming, lower-cost market with rapid growth in outpatient clinics.
• Lansing: Lower cost of living, but salaries trend lower, with more state/government hospital jobs.

Insider Tip: The $99,111 median is a great benchmark. If you're coming with 5+ years of experience and a specialty certification (like OCS or CSCS), you should target $105k+ in your negotiations. Don't settle for the median if you bring specialized skills.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning $99,111 sounds great, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and the landlord? Farmington Hills is in Oakland County, which has a moderate income tax, and Michigan has a flat state income tax.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single PT earning the median salary. I’ve used estimated tax rates for Oakland County (local + state) and federal.

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,259	($99,111 / 12)
Estimated Taxes	$2,450	~29.6% combined (Fed, MI state, Oakland Co.). This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.
Net Monthly Pay	$5,809	Your take-home.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,029	The city average. You can find 1BRs from $900 to $1,300 depending on location.
Utilities	$200	Heat (gas), electric, water, internet. Michigan winters are real—factor in heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	A must in the 'burbs. No real public transit for commuting. Insurance rates are moderate/high.
Groceries	$400	Farmington Hills has great grocery stores (Meijer, Kroger, Whole Foods in nearby West Bloomfield).
Health Insurance	$250	If employer pays 70%, your share is roughly this. Varies widely.
Misc. (Dining, etc.)	$500	Farmington Hills has a great local food scene, especially along 11 Mile Rd.
Total Expenses	$2,929
Monthly Savings	$2,880	After expenses, you have significant savings potential. This is a major advantage of this area.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of $5,809 and monthly expenses around $2,929, you have a $2,880 surplus. The median home price in Farmington Hills is around $350,000. A 20% down payment ($70,000) is substantial, but with a monthly surplus of nearly $3k, you could save that in 2-3 years, or go with a lower down payment (like 5-10%) and use the rest of your surplus for the mortgage, taxes, and insurance (roughly $2,500-$2,800/month). Many PTs here buy homes in their early 30s, which is a very different story from coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Farmington Hills's Major Employers

The job market is diverse, spanning large hospital systems, private practices, and home health agencies. Here’s a local breakdown of key players:

1. Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont Farmington Hills): The 850-bed hospital is the anchor. They have a massive inpatient rehab unit, outpatient orthopedics, and a sports medicine clinic. They are the largest employer of PTs in the area and notoriously hire new grads regularly. Hiring trends lean toward neuro and orthopedic specializations.
2. Henry Ford Health - Livonia (location, but serves FH): Just a few minutes east, this is another major medical center with a strong rehab department. They are known for their orthopedic and cardiac rehab programs. Often pays a premium for specialized certifications.
3. Therapy Solutions (Outpatient Clinic): A well-regarded local private practice with two locations in the Farmington/Farmington Hills area. They specialize in orthopedics, sports medicine, and vestibular rehab. A great place for a PT who wants a smaller, community-focused environment.
4. Expert Home Health Care: A large, local home health agency. Home health is a huge sector here, especially with the aging population. Requires a reliable car and good time management. Pay is often per-visit or salaried, often with a higher base to cover mileage.
5. Select Medical (Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation): While the main campus is in West Orange, NJ, they have outpatient clinics in the Detroit metro, including locations serving Farmington Hills. They are a national leader in neuro rehab and offer a clear path for specialization.
6. The Detroit Lions (NFL Team): The Lions' practice facility is in Allen Park, but their sports medicine staff works with a network of local PTs and clinics. Breaking into this niche is competitive but possible with the right connections and orthopedic credentials.
7. Local Schools (Farmington Public Schools): School-based PT positions are available through the district or third-party contractors. They are highly coveted due to the schedule (summers off) and focus on pediatrics. Competition is fierce for these roles.

Insider Tip: The "Big 3" hospital systems (Corewell, Henry Ford, and University of Michigan) often post jobs on their own career sites first, before they hit Indeed or LinkedIn. Set up job alerts directly on their portals. Networking at local APTA Michigan chapter events in Detroit is invaluable for the private practice and niche openings.

Getting Licensed in MI

Michigan licensure is managed by the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). You must also pass the Michigan Jurisprudence Exam (a state law test).
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required.

Timeline & Costs:

• NPTE: You can take this after graduation. The exam fee is $340 (FSBPT). Most DPT programs prepare you well for this.
• Michigan Jurisprudence Exam: This is a take-home, closed-book exam. You must apply for it, and the fee is $150. It tests your knowledge of Michigan's Physical Therapy Practice Act.
• Application & License Fee: The initial license application fee is $200.
• Fingerprinting: Costs approximately $75.

Total Estimated Cost: $765, plus any costs for study materials or retakes.

Timeline: If you’re a new grad, you can generally get your MI license within 2-3 months of passing your NPTE. For an out-of-state PT, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which can take 4-6 weeks after submitting all documents, assuming you have an active license in another state and have passed the NPTE. The Michigan Board website is your primary source—start there the moment you decide to move.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Farmington Hills is large and diverse. Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Farmington	Walkable, historic, young professional vibe. Close to Corewell Health. 10-15 min commute to most jobs.	$1,100 - $1,400	Social PTs who want restaurants, cafes, and events on their doorstep.
Grand River & 12 Mile	Central, convenient. Mix of older apartments and newer complexes. Easy access to major roads (I-96, 696).	$1,000 - $1,200	Practical PTs who prioritize a short, easy commute above all else.
Wixom Road Corridor	Suburban, quiet, family-oriented. More modern apartment complexes. A 15-20 min drive to downtown.	$950 - $1,150	PTs who want more space, quieter nights, and don’t mind a short drive.
North of 13 Mile (Near Haggerty)	More upscale, newer developments. Close to the M-5 expressway. 20 min commute to most places.	$1,200 - $1,500	Established PTs or couples with higher incomes seeking a premium environment.
Beverly Hills (Near 9 Mile)	A small, affluent enclave with older, charming homes. Rent is scarce, but you might find a basement suite.	$1,300+	Those who want a tight-knit, upscale community feel.

Insider Tip: If you work at Corewell, living in Downtown Farmington is ideal for walkability and lifestyle. If you work in home health or have a job in Livonia, the Wixom Road or Grand River areas offer easier highway access.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Farmington Hills is a great place to build a long-term career. The 10-year outlook is positive due to the 14% job growth, but your earnings will be driven by specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: In MI, OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist) certifications can add $5,000-$10,000 to your base salary. Niche areas like Pelvic Health (WCS) or Vestibular Rehab are in high demand and command premium rates, especially in private practice.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Clinical Tracks: Move from staff PT to Lead PT, then to Clinic Director (often a 5-10 year path). This can push your salary to $120k+.
  2. Education: Become a clinical instructor for local DPT programs (Wayne State, University of Michigan). This often comes with a stipend or adjunct pay.
  3. Private Practice: Many senior PTs here open their own cash-based or hybrid clinics, especially in orthopedics or sports rehab.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the national trend toward value-based care and MI's aging population, PTs who can demonstrate outcomes (like in home health or hospital-based rehab) will be most valuable. The rise of telehealth for follow-ups and education is also creating new opportunities. The key is to stay active in the Michigan APTA and keep up with continuing education.

The Verdict: Is Farmington Hills Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons based on my local perspective.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio. You live very well on a PT salary here.	Car Dependency. You absolutely need a reliable car. No two ways about it.
Diverse Job Market. From Level I trauma hospitals to private sports clinics.	Winters Can Be Harsh. If you dislike snow and cold, November-April can be a grind.
Strong Job Growth (14%). Job security is high for the foreseeable future.	Suburban Vibe. It’s not a dense, walkable urban core. You need to seek out community.
Central Location. Easy access to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and even Chicago (4-hour drive).	"Big 3" Hospital Competition. Landing your first job at Corewell or Henry Ford can be competitive.
Great Schools & Family-Friendly. If you’re thinking long-term, the area is fantastic for raising a family.	Limited Nightlife. Downtown Farmington is lively, but it’s not a major city's entertainment scene.

Final Recommendation: Farmington Hills is an outstanding choice for Physical Therapists, especially those early in their careers or looking to buy a home. The combination of a median salary of $99,111 and a cost of living index of 98.0 (below the national average) provides a financial runway that is rare in most metro markets. The job market is robust, with clear paths for growth. If you can handle the winters and the need for a car, it offers a stable, rewarding, and financially sound career and lifestyle.

FAQs

1. I’m an experienced PT from out of state. How long will it take to get licensed in MI?
If you have an active, unrestricted license in another state and have already passed the NPTE, the process is relatively quick. You’ll apply for licensure by endorsement, submit your transcripts for verification, and take the Michigan Jurisprudence Exam. Once the board receives all documents, approval can take 4-6 weeks.

2. What’s the job market like for new DPT graduates?
It’s very favorable. Major employers like Corewell Health and Henry Ford regularly hire new grads into their inpatient and outpatient residencies. Private practices also hire new grads, though they often prefer some prior clinical rotation experience in the area. The 14% job growth assures a steady flow of openings.

3. Is home health a viable career path here?
Absolutely. With a large aging population, home health agencies are always hiring. It offers flexibility and often a higher effective hourly rate due to mileage reimbursement. However, you must be a self-starter, have excellent time management, and enjoy driving. You can easily earn $100k+ in home health if you manage your caseload well.

4. How do I network in the Farmington Hills area?
The best way is through the Michigan APTA. They hold regular events in the Detroit metro area. Also, join local LinkedIn groups for Michigan PTs. Many PTs here are active on social media and are willing to offer advice—just be respectful and specific in your outreach. Volunteering at local 5Ks or sports events is another great way to meet people in the field.

5. What’s the best time of year to look for a PT job here?
The market is consistent year-round, but hiring picks up in late winter (February-March) as budgets are finalized for the new fiscal year, and again in late summer (August-September) before the fall caseload surge. If you’re a new grad, start applying in March for the best shot at the summer residency programs.