The Physical Therapist's Guide to Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of the Denver Metro area, I can tell you that Lakewood is a unique beast. It’s not the flashy career hub of downtown Denver, nor the affluent enclave of Cherry Creek. It’s the practical, beating heart of the western suburbs—a place where healthcare professionals often find a stable, rewarding career without the chaos of a major city center. For a Physical Therapist, it’s a market defined by steady demand, a mix of clinical settings, and a cost of living that, while high, is manageable with the right salary.

This guide is built on hard data and local insights. We’ll skip the fluff and get straight to what matters: your paycheck, your commute, your patients, and your future. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

In the Lakewood metro area, demand for Physical Therapists isn't explosive, but it's consistently solid. The healthcare infrastructure here is mature and expanding, anchored by major hospitals and a growing senior population. The numbers reflect this stability.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Lakewood is $101,355 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.73. This is notably higher than the national average of $99,710, a premium that reflects Colorado’s competitive healthcare market and the Denver Metro’s economic pull. The Lakewood metro area supports approximately 311 jobs for Physical Therapists, indicating a tight, competitive market where skilled clinicians are valued. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth for this profession in the region has been a healthy 14%, outpacing many other mid-sized cities and signaling long-term stability.

To understand where you might fit in, let’s look at the experience breakdown. Note that salaries at the top end often come with specialization or leadership roles.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Annual Salary (Approx.)	Key Roles in Lakewood
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $95,000	Staff PT at a large hospital or outpatient clinic; Home Health PT.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $110,000	Senior PT in outpatient ortho, sports rehab, or acute care; Early-career specialty focus.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $125,000	Clinic Director, Lead PT for a specialty program (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular), Home Health Supervisor.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$125,000 - $140,000+	Director of Rehabilitation Services, Academic/Research roles (e.g., at CU Anschutz), Practice Owner.

How Lakewood Compares to Other Colorado Cities

While Lakewood sits comfortably within the Denver Metro, its salary and job market differ slightly from its neighbors. It’s a more affordable and less competitive market than Denver proper, but with slightly lower earning potential than the tech-driven Boulder corridor.

City	Median Salary (Approx.)	Cost of Living (Index, US Avg=100)	Job Market Vibe
Lakewood	$101,355	105.5	Stable, diverse, community-focused.
Denver	$103,500	115.5	High demand, high competition, more urban settings.
Boulder	$105,000	127.5	High salaries, high cost of living, focus on sports/academics.
Colorado Springs	$97,500	101.5	Military/Veteran-focused, lower cost, steady demand.

Data sourced from BLS, local job postings, and cost of living indices.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. In Lakewood, a PT with a niche certification (like pelvic floor or dry needling) can command a salary $10,000-$15,000 above the median, even at the mid-career level. Always negotiate based on your specific skills, not just your years of experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $101,355 salary looks great on paper, but in Colorado, your take-home pay is significantly impacted by taxes and the high cost of housing. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single Physical Therapist living in Lakewood.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $101,355 / Year | ~$8,446 / Month)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,446
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, 401k, Insurance): ~$2,500
• Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home: $5,946

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,835
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel: $650 (Commute is car-dependent)
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance (Co-pays, etc.): $300
• Student Loans (Avg. for PTs): $400
• Miscellaneous (Eating out, entertainment): $500

Total Monthly Expenses: $4,335
Remaining Monthly Cash Flow: $1,611

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
With $1,611 in surplus each month, homeownership in Lakewood is an attainable goal, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. At current interest rates, a 30-year mortgage on a $440,000 loan would be roughly $2,700-$2,900 per month, including taxes and insurance.

Verdict: You can afford to buy a home, but not immediately. It’s a 3-5 year goal. Your surplus of $1,611 can be aggressively saved for a down payment. Many Lakewood PTs I've spoken to choose to live in Lakewood or nearby Edgewater and buy in more affordable suburbs like Arvada or Wheat Ridge after a few years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market for PTs is dominated by large hospital systems and a robust network of outpatient clinics. Here are the key players and the hiring trends you need to know.

1. St. Anthony Hospital (Centura Health): This is the largest employer in Lakewood. The rehab department here is massive, covering acute care, ICU, orthopedics, and a renowned sports medicine program. Hiring Trend: They frequently hire for full-time staff PTs, especially in acute care. They have a strong internal culture and prefer candidates who want to grow with the system. Insider Tip: Their "St. Anthony Sports Medicine" clinic is a top destination for PTs interested in sports rehab; getting a foot in the door there can fast-track your career.

2. Lutheran Medical Center (Intermountain Health): Located just north of Lakewood in Wheat Ridge, this hospital is a major feeder for Lakewood residents. Their rehab department is known for excellent orthopedic and neuro rehab. Hiring Trend: Steady hiring for both inpatient and outpatient roles. They have a strong focus on evidence-based practice and support for specialty certifications.

3. Banner Health (Lakewood & Surrounding Clinics): Banner operates several outpatient orthopedic and sports rehab clinics in the western Denver Metro. They are known for a high volume of patients and a focus on efficiency. Hiring Trend: They are consistently hiring, especially for outpatient orthopedics. The pace is fast, making it a great place to build experience quickly.

4. InMotion Physical Therapy: A reputable local private practice with multiple locations, including in Lakewood. They focus on outpatient orthopedics and sports performance. Hiring Trend: They hire less frequently but are very selective. They value clinicians who are entrepreneurial and can build their own patient base. A great option for those wanting to work in a private practice setting.

5. Home Health Agencies (Amedisys, LHC Group): The Denver Metro has a booming home health sector, and Lakewood is a prime territory due to its large suburban senior population. Hiring Trend: High demand for PTs willing to drive. This role offers autonomy and a different pace. Pay can be very competitive, often exceeding the median, especially with per-visit rates.

6. School-Based PT (Jefferson County School District): Lakewood is the heart of Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco). School PTs work with pediatric populations, focusing on motor skills and accessibility. Hiring Trend: Positions are posted on the Jeffco HR site and are highly competitive. They offer great hours (summers off) but a lower salary than medical settings.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs in Lakewood never hit public job boards. They are filled through internal referrals. Join the Colorado Physical Therapy Network (CPTN) and attend their quarterly meetings. Networking here is your most powerful tool.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado has a straightforward licensure process, but it requires attention to detail. The Colorado Board of Physical Therapy (under the Department of Regulatory Agencies) oversees all licensure.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam (both administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy).
3. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
4. Application: Submit your application online via the MyLicense Colorado portal. You must provide your official transcripts, NPTE scores, and proof of malpractice insurance.
5. License by Endorsement: If you’re already licensed in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. Colorado is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PTLC), which streamlines the process for eligible compact state licensees.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$500

• Colorado Jurisprudence Exam: ~$100

• Licensure Application Fee: ~$150

• Background Check: ~$50

• Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,000

• Timeline: From submitting a complete application to receiving a license, expect 4-6 weeks if you are a first-time applicant. For compact state licensees, it can be as fast as 2-3 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Colorado Jurisprudence Exam is open-book. Take it seriously, but don’t over-study. Focus on the specific statutes and rules for Colorado, especially regarding direct access and supervision requirements, which differ from other states.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Your neighborhood choice in Lakewood will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for a PT.

1. Downtown Lakewood (Belmar Area):

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix, walkable, with Belmar's shopping/dining.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-70 and 6th Ave. 15-20 mins to St. Anthony Hospital.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,100/month
   • Best For: PTs who want a vibrant social scene and a short commute to the major hospital.

2. Green Mountain / Bear Creek:

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, family-friendly, with stunning views of the foothills.
   • Commute: 10-15 mins to St. Anthony, 20 mins to downtown Denver. Proximity to trails is a huge plus.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,750 - $1,950/month
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful, suburban lifestyle.

3. Edgewater (adjacent to Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Hip, small-town feel with a booming food and brewery scene. Extremely bike-friendly.
   • Commute: 10 mins to St. Anthony, 15 mins to downtown Denver. Easy access via Sheridan Blvd.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,000/month
   • Best For: Younger PTs who prioritize community, local culture, and an easy commute to both Lakewood and Denver.

4. Westgate / Amherst:

   • Vibe: Classic Lakewood suburb. Mid-century homes, tree-lined streets, quiet.
   • Commute: 10 mins to St. Anthony, 20 mins to Lutheran Medical Center. Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,650 - $1,800/month
   • Best For: Budget-conscious PTs seeking a safe, stable neighborhood with good value.

Insider Tip: Traffic on 6th Avenue and I-70 can be brutal during rush hour. If you work at St. Anthony, living in Green Mountain or Lakewood proper will save you 15-30 minutes of daily commuting stress compared to living in Edgewater.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lakewood is a fantastic place to build a long-term career. The growth isn't about exploding salaries, but about building a stable, rewarding practice.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedics: The most common specialty. A board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) can expect a $5,000-$10,000 premium over the median.
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This is a massive gap in the Colorado market, especially in the western suburbs. A PT with a PRPC or WCS certification can easily command $110,000+ at a mid-career level and will be in high demand for private practice or hospital-based roles.
• Sports Medicine: With the rise of the Colorado Rapids, Denver Broncos, and a massive youth sports culture, sports PTs with CSCS or SCS credentials are highly valued. Salaries can reach the $120,000 range at senior levels.
• Leadership: The path from Staff PT → Senior PT → Clinic Director is well-defined in Lakewood’s large health systems. This comes with a significant salary bump and administrative duties.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 14% Growth):
The 14% 10-year job growth is a strong indicator. The aging Colorado population and the post-pandemic focus on health will keep demand high. The Denver Metro area's population is projected to continue growing, pulling Lakewood along. The key will be specialization. Generalist PTs will see steady demand, but specialists (pelvic health, neuro, vestibular) will see the most significant salary growth and job security. The move towards value-based care in large systems like Centura and Intermountain will also reward PTs who can demonstrate excellent outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood offers a compelling blend of professional opportunity and quality of life. It’s not the highest-paying market in Colorado, but its stability and manageable cost of living make it a smart long-term play.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Not overly reliant on one employer or industry.	High Cost of Living: The rent and home prices are a real burden.
Strong Salaries: $101,355 median is above the national average.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Suburban pace, easy access to mountains for weekends.	Competition: The market is competitive, especially for the best clinic jobs.
Career Growth Pathways: Clear advancement in major hospital systems.	Slower Salary Growth: May not see the rapid salary jumps of a tech boomtown.
Central Location: Easy access to Denver, the mountains, and the airport.	Can Feel Generic: Lacks the unique cultural identity of Denver or Boulder.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for a mid-career Physical Therapist seeking stability, a manageable schedule, and a clear path to homeownership. It’s ideal for those who value weekend access to the outdoors and don’t mind a suburban lifestyle. It’s less ideal for new graduates seeking a fast-paced, high-salary urban experience or for those who don’t want to drive. If you’re a specialist (or plan to become one) and want to build a lasting reputation in the Denver Metro area without the pressure of downtown, Lakewood is a top-tier contender.

FAQs

1. Is it easier to get a job in Lakewood or Denver?
It’s different. Denver has more jobs but also more candidates. Lakewood’s job market is smaller but often less saturated. For a first-time job seeker, Lakewood’s large hospitals (St. Anthony, Lutheran) offer structured new-grad programs that are competitive but provide excellent training.

2. What’s the patient demographic in Lakewood?
It’s a true mix. You’ll see a high volume of orth