Physical Therapist in Greeley, CO

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking Colorado’s healthcare job market, I can tell you that Greeley isn’t the first city that comes to mind for most Physical Therapists—but it’s one of the most strategically sound, especially for those who value affordability and a slower pace without sacrificing professional opportunity. This guide is built on hard data, local knowledge, and the reality of life on the Front Range.

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: Greeley offers a competitive salary for Physical Therapists, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Greeley metro area is $98,513/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.36/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but that national figure includes high-cost coastal cities. In the context of Northern Colorado, this is a strong wage.

Job availability is solid, with an estimated 225 Physical Therapist positions in the metro area. The field is also growing, with a 10-year job growth projection of 14%, which aligns with the national trend of an aging population and increased demand for rehab services.

To understand what this looks like in practice, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the region. Note that these are estimations based on local job postings and BLS data, adjusted for Greeley’s market.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Greeley Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0 - 2 years	$78,000 - $88,000
Mid-Level	3 - 7 years	$89,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	8 - 15 years	$106,000 - $125,000
Expert/ Specialist	15+ years	$125,000+

How does this compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver Metro: Salaries are higher ($103,000 - $110,000 median), but the cost of living is drastically higher. A Denver PT making 10% more than a Greeley PT often pays 30%+ more for housing and faces a much longer commute.
• Fort Collins: Very similar salary range to Greeley, but with a slightly more competitive market due to the presence of a major university and a larger healthcare system. Rent in Fort Collins is typically 10-15% higher than in Greeley.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are comparable, but the job market is more saturated with military-affiliated clinics. The cost of living is rising rapidly, approaching Denver levels.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Greeley employers, especially public school districts and large hospital systems, offer robust benefits packages that can add $15,000 - $25,000 in value annually. Always ask about retirement matching (403b/457b), health insurance premiums, and CME stipends.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you’re earning the median salary of $98,513. What does your budget actually look like? Let’s break it down for a single filer, assuming standard deductions and Colorado’s flat income tax rate.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,209
• Estimated Tax Burden (Federal + State): ~25% (varies by deduction) = - $2,052
• Take-Home Pay (Est.): $6,157/month

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. Greeley’s overall Cost of Living Index is 96.0, meaning it’s 4% cheaper than the national average. The biggest factor is housing. The average 1BR rent is $1,190/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $6,157
• Rent (1BR Apartment): -$1,190
• Utilities (Est.): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$600 (Note: Greeley is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$300
• Student Loans/Debt: -$400
• Retirement & Savings (10%): -$820
• Discretionary Spending: $1,247

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, much more easily than in Denver or Boulder. The median home price in Greeley is around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $2,260/month (including taxes and insurance). This is about $1,000 more than the average rent. For a single PT on a median salary, this is a stretch but doable with careful budgeting and a dual-income household. It’s a primary reason many healthcare professionals choose Greeley over more expensive Front Range cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market is stable, but turnover happens. Here’s where you’ll find the majority of PT openings:

1. North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC): Part of the Banner Health system. This is the largest hospital in Greeley and a major employer. They have inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, and sports medicine clinics. Hiring trends show a steady need for PTs with orthopedic and neurological experience. Insider Tip: NCMC is known for strong mentorship for new grads but can have higher caseloads.

2. Banner Health Clinic Network: Beyond the main hospital, Banner operates numerous outpatient PT clinics throughout Greeley and Weld County. These are often the most consistent sources of jobs for mid-career PTs.

3. University of Northern Colorado (UNC): The university’s on-campus health center and its affiliated sports medicine programs hire PTs. This is a great niche for those with a sports or pediatric focus. Academic positions are competitive but offer summers off and a different pace.

4. School District 6 (Greeley-Evans School District): The public school system is a major employer for pediatric PTs. This path offers a favorable schedule (summers and holidays off) and is a sought-after role. It requires a Colorado Department of Education license in addition to a state PT license.

5. Mountain Crest Behavioral Health (Banner): While focused on mental health, this facility has a small but critical inpatient PT program for patients with complex comorbidities. A unique and growing specialty area.

6. Private Practice & Specialty Clinics: Numerous smaller clinics focus on orthopedics, pelvic health, and vestibular rehab. Examples include Greeley Physical Therapy and Back in Action PT. These clinics often offer a more personalized caseload and are a good fit for entrepreneurial PTs.

7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Kindred at Home and ApriaHealthcare serve the broader Weld County area. This offers autonomy and a different pace, ideal for experienced PTs who prefer one-on-one care.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable push towards outpatient orthopedics and geriatrics due to Weld County’s aging population. Cash-based specialties (like pelvic health or performance therapy) are rare but growing as the population expands.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

The Colorado Board of Physical Therapy regulates licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, online).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a national and state criminal history check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application through the Colorado DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies) website.

Costs (Approximate):

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• Colorado Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
• Initial License Application Fee: $88
• Background Check Fee: $45 - $75
• Total Initial Cost: ~$668 - $698

Timeline: If you start today, the process can take 2-4 months. The NPTE is the biggest variable. Some states are faster, but Colorado is fairly standard. A crucial note: Colorado is part of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC). If you hold an active license in another compact state, you can obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in Colorado much faster—often in a matter of weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Greeley impacts your commute, lifestyle, and access to amenities. Here are top neighborhoods for different preferences.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent (Est.)	Best For...
Central City	Historic, walkable to downtown eats & shops. 5-10 min to NCMC & most clinics.	$1,050 - $1,300	Young professionals, new grads, those who want a short commute.
Kelly Farm	Suburban, family-friendly. Newer homes, parks, good schools. 10-15 min to hospitals.	$1,250 - $1,500	PTs with families or planning to buy a home.
West Greeley	Quiet, residential, near UNC. Slightly longer commute to downtown (15-20 min).	$1,000 - $1,200	Those seeking a quieter, academic-adjacent environment.
Sunset Valley	Near the Poudre River, more nature-oriented. 10-12 min to NCMC.	$1,100 - $1,350	Outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, and those wanting a scenic setting.
Eagle Ridge	Master-planned community, newer, upscale. 15-20 min to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,400	Established PTs with higher income, seeking a modern suburban feel.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Greeley is minimal compared to the Front Range. A "long" commute is 20 minutes. Proximity to your primary workplace is the top priority. Look for housing near the I-25 corridor if you plan to work in Fort Collins or Loveland (a common commute), but for Greeley jobs, any of these neighborhoods are fine.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Greeley is an excellent place to build a long-term career. The path isn't about climbing a corporate ladder but about deepening your expertise and building a local reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: While not as high as in major metros, specialized skills command a premium. A PT with a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification can often negotiate $5,000 - $10,000 above the median. Pelvic Health and Vestibular certifications are in demand due to an aging population and post-COVID concussion clinics.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinic Director: Move from clinician to managing a small outpatient clinic (often with a 10-15% salary bump).
  2. Academia: Pursue a PhD or DSc to teach at UNC or other local colleges.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Open a cash-based practice (e.g., performance therapy for the local agricultural and fitness communities). This has high risk but high reward.
  4. Home Health Leadership: Move into a supervisory role within a home health agency, overseeing other PTs and OTs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is your safety net. Greeley’s population is growing steadily, and the healthcare infrastructure is expanding to meet it. The rise of telehealth is also creating new opportunities for PTs in rural northern Colorado who can serve a wider geographic area from a Greeley base.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Greeley offers a compelling value proposition for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability and quality of life over the hustle of a major metro.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Salary goes much further here than in Denver or Boulder.	Limited Cultural Scene: Fewer museums, concerts, and high-end restaurants than big cities.
Stable Job Market: Strong employer base in healthcare and education with steady demand.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you’ll need a reliable vehicle.
Short Commutes: You can get anywhere in the city in under 20 minutes.	Geographic Isolation: It's a 45-60 minute drive to Denver or Fort Collins for big-city amenities.
Growth Potential: A growing city with a strong sense of community and outdoor access.	Windy & Dry: The high plains climate can be challenging (cold winters, hot, windy summers).
PT Compact State: Easier licensure if you're coming from another compact state.	Less Prestige: Some employers in elite metro areas may not recognize Greeley's experience as "major market."

Final Recommendation: If you are a new grad looking to pay off student loans quickly while building experience, Greeley is an excellent choice. If you are an experienced PT seeking a lower-stress environment, a pace that allows for work-life balance, and the ability to buy a home, Greeley is a top contender. If you crave the energy, anonymity, and career networking of a major city, you may find Greeley limiting.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate in Greeley?
Yes, the market is fairly receptive. Larger employers like Banner Health have structured new grad residency programs. Be flexible on setting (you may start in a skilled nursing facility before moving to outpatient orthopedics). Network with local PTs on LinkedIn and attend Colorado Physical Therapy Network events.

2. How does the weather affect my work-life balance?
It’s a factor. Winters are cold and can be snowy (but roads are cleared quickly). Summers are hot, dry, and windy. Many residents cope by getting outside in the early morning or evening. The access to Horsetooth Reservoir and Rocky Mountain National Park for weekend trips is a major plus.

3. What’s the patient population like?
Diverse. You’ll see a mix of agricultural workers with musculoskeletal injuries, aging farmers, college athletes from UNC, and a growing retiree population. It’s less trauma-heavy than Denver but requires a strong orthopedic and geriatric skill set.

4. Can I commute to Fort Collins or Denver from Greeley?
Absolutely. Many PTs live in Greeley for the affordability and commute 20-30 minutes north to Fort Collins or 45-60 minutes south to Denver. The reverse commute (Greeley to Fort Collins) is lighter than the other way around. Factor in gas and vehicle wear.

5. Are there opportunities for PTs to work with athletes?
Yes, but it's niche. UNC’s sports medicine program is the main hub. There are also private performance clinics, but they are fewer than in Denver. Networking with local high school athletic trainers is a good way to build a sports-focused side practice.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Board of Physical Therapy, Colorado Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau, and local job market analysis. Salary data is specific to the Greeley, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.