Physical Therapist in Longmont, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT), your earning potential in Longmont is solid, sitting right at the national median but with a local cost of living that’s nearly identical to the U.S. average. The median salary for a PT in Longmont is $99,680/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.92/hour. This is almost exactly the national average of $99,710/year, a point that underscores Longmont’s stability—it’s not a boomtown for PT salaries, but it’s not a bust either.

What does this mean in practical terms? Longmont’s job market for PTs is steady, with 198 jobs currently in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 14%, which is healthy and reflects an aging population and increased demand for rehabilitation services. This growth isn’t explosive like in some tech-heavy cities, but it’s reliable.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages. Remember, these are estimates based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$82,000 - $89,000	$39.42 - $42.79
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $105,000	$45.67 - $50.48
Senior (8-15 years)	$106,000 - $118,000	$50.96 - $56.73
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$119,000 - $135,000+	$57.21 - $64.90+

When you compare Longmont to other Colorado cities, its position becomes clearer. It’s more affordable than Boulder or Denver, where salaries might be similar or slightly higher, but rents are significantly steeper. In Fort Collins, to the north, you might find a slightly higher average salary due to the university and hospital presence, but the cost of living is comparable or slightly higher. Longmont offers a "sweet spot" for PTs who want a Colorado lifestyle without the premium price tag of the Front Range’s more famous cities.

Insider Tip: Salaries in Longmont can vary by employer type. Acute care settings (like hospital-based outpatient clinics) often start at the lower end of the mid-career range, while private practice or home health agencies might offer higher base pay but less consistent benefits. Always ask about the full compensation package, not just the base salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your paycheck. A median salary of $99,680 is a great starting point, but your take-home pay is what matters for monthly budgeting. In Colorado, you’ll be subject to a state income tax (currently a flat rate of 4.4%, plus federal taxes). A rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents would be about 25-28% total effective tax rate, leaving you with a monthly take-home of roughly $6,000 - $6,200.

Now, let’s factor in housing. Longmont’s average 1BR rent is $1,548/month. This is a key metric. With a take-home pay around $6,100, your rent would be about 25% of your net income. This is well within the recommended 30% threshold, leaving you with ample room for other expenses, savings, and discretionary spending.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,548	25%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	3.3%
Groceries & Household	$500	8.2%
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	8.2%
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	3.3%
Student Loans (Avg. PT Debt)	$400	6.6%
Retirement Savings (5% 401k)	$415	6.8%
Personal/Discretionary	$1,337	21.9%
TOTAL	$5,100	83.6%

This budget shows that living on a PT’s salary in Longmont is very manageable. You have over $1,300 left for dining out, hobbies, travel, or additional savings. This surplus is a major advantage over cities like Boulder or Denver, where similar rent would consume 35-40% of your income.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Longmont is approximately $500,000. With a strong credit score and a 20% down payment ($100,000), you’d be looking at a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,600-$2,800. While this is a stretch on the median salary for a single person, it becomes very feasible for a dual-income household or a PT with several years of experience earning $110,000+. Longmont’s housing market is more accessible than Boulder’s or Denver’s, making homeownership a realistic long-term goal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longmont’s 14% job growth over 10 years is promising, but your individual career trajectory depends on specialization and networking. The Front Range is a hub for evidence-based practice, and employers highly value PTs with advanced certifications.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedics (OCS): The most common specialization. Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary.
• Sports (SCS): In demand with local sports leagues and the proximity to Boulder. Premium of $7,000 - $12,000.
• Neurological (NCS): Critical for stroke and spinal injury rehab, often in hospital or home health settings. Premium of $8,000 - $15,000.
• Pelvic Health (WCS): A growing niche with high demand. Premiums of $6,000 - $12,000.
• Pediatrics (PCS): Essential for early intervention and school-based therapy. Premiums vary widely but can be $4,000 - $8,000.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many health systems (like UCHealth) have formal clinical ladders. Moving from a staff PT to a Senior PT or Clinical Specialist can come with a 5-10% salary increase.
2. Management: Clinic Director or Outpatient Manager roles. Salary jumps to the $115,000 - $135,000 range, but with more administrative duties.
3. Education: Becoming a clinical instructor for PT programs (like the one at Regis University in Denver) or a faculty member at Front Range Community College (which has a PTA program). This path offers stability and can be combined with part-time clinical work.
4. Private Practice Ownership: The ultimate goal for some. While risky, owning a clinic in a growing community like Longmont can be highly lucrative, but requires significant business acumen and capital.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for PTs in Longmont will remain strong, driven by the aging baby boomer population and the active lifestyle of residents (cycling, hiking, skiing). Telehealth PT is also emerging, and being tech-savvy will be a plus. The growth in specialty niches like pelvic health and oncology rehab will create new, well-compensated opportunities.

Insider Tip: Join the Colorado Physical Therapy Network (CPTN). Their annual conference is a goldmine for meeting employers and learning about local trends. Many Longmont-based therapists are active members.

Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

Longmont’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, private practices, and home health agencies. Here are the key players:

1. UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital: The largest employer in the city. They have inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, and sports medicine. Hiring trends show a steady need for PTs with acute care and orthopedic experience. They offer strong benefits and tuition reimbursement.
2. SCL Health (now part of Intermountain): While their hospital is in Lafayette, their network includes several outpatient clinics in Longmont (like the Intermountain Health Center). They focus on integrated care models and are often hiring for outpatient neuro and ortho roles.
3. Therapeutic Associates, Inc.: A well-established private practice with a clinic in Longmont. Known for a strong culture of professional development and mentorship for new grads. They specialize in orthopedics and sports rehab and often seek PTs with OCS or SCS.
4. Synchrony Physiotherapy: A locally-owned practice with a reputation for manual therapy and personalized care. They frequently hire for their clinic in the western part of the city and value therapists with a hands-on approach.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Interim HealthCare, Amedisys): A major sector in Longmont, serving the aging population. Offers autonomy and a different pace. Salaries can be higher due to productivity incentives, but travel time and documentation are factors.
6. Longmont United Hospital (Part of the SCL Health Network): Historically a key employer, now integrated into the larger system. Their outpatient rehab centers are a primary source of jobs.
7. Longmont School District (Therapeutic Recreation & Special Ed): For PTs interested in pediatrics and school-based therapy. These positions are competitive and often require a caseload management experience.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable shift toward outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine due to the active community. Home health is consistently in demand due to demographic trends. Acute care roles are stable but can be harder to break into without prior hospital experience. Networking on LinkedIn with managers at these clinics is highly effective.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado licensure is managed by the Colorado State 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) for PTs. The passing score is 600.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Colorado Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state laws and regulations.
4. Background Check: Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Timeline & Costs:

• NPTE: Once you graduate, you can apply for the exam. The application and exam fee is approximately $485.
• Colorado Application: After passing the NPTE, you apply for a Colorado license. The fee is $150 (initial license fee).
• Jurisprudence Exam: The fee is $80. You can take this before or after the NPTE.
• Background Check: The fee is $38.50.

Total Estimated Cost: $753.50 (excluding study materials or travel for the exam).

Timeline: From graduation to holding an active Colorado license can be as fast as 2-3 months if you pass the NPTE on your first attempt. The Board’s processing time is typically 2-4 weeks after a complete application. It’s advisable to start the application process about 60 days before you plan to start work.

Insider Tip: Colorado is part of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC). If you already hold an active license in another compact state, you can obtain a Colorado "compact privilege" to practice here, which is faster and cheaper. Check the PTLC website for the current list of member states.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Longmont is divided into distinct areas, each with a different vibe and commute pattern.

1. Central Longmont (Downtown & Historic District):

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with a growing scene of breweries, coffee shops, and local restaurants. Home to many young professionals and families.
   • Commute: Easy. You can bike or walk to most clinics downtown. The main hospital (UCHealth) is a 5-7 minute drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: PTs who want a lively, community-oriented lifestyle without a car commute.

2. South Longmont (Columbine, Sunset):

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly neighborhoods with well-maintained homes and parks. Close to shopping centers (like the Target at Sunset).
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to many employers, including SCL clinics and Therapeutic Associates. 10-15 minute drive to most places.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Professionals seeking a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to amenities.

3. West Longmont (Near the Rocky Mountain foothills):

   • Vibe: More scenic, with larger lots and a quieter pace. Close to hiking and biking trails at the base of the foothills.
   • Commute: Good, but can be longer depending on traffic. 15-20 minutes to downtown clinics. Home to Synchrony Physiotherapy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,850/month for a 1BR (slightly higher due to views/location).
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who want a peaceful home base.

4. East Longmont (Near the airport):

   • Vibe: More affordable, with newer apartment complexes and a mix of residential and light industrial areas.
   • Commute: Can be longer to downtown (15-25 minutes), but direct access to US-85 for commutes to Denver or Greeley.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,550/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious PTs or those who work in home health and need easy highway access.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: You can live comfortably on the median salary.	Salaries are Median: Not a high-wage market like Denver or Boulder.
Stable Job Market: 198 jobs and 14% growth offer security.	Smaller Pool: Fewer employers than a major metro, so fewer niche roles.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable access to mountains, trails, and cycling.	Mid-Size City Limits: Fewer cultural/diverse dining options than Boulder.
Great Work-Life Balance: Less traffic, more community focus.	Requires Car: Public transit is improving but not as robust as larger cities.
Strong Employer Mix: Hospital, private practice, home health options.	Seasonal Allergies: Can be challenging for some new residents.

Final Recommendation: Longmont is an excellent choice for a Physical Therapist who values work-life balance, affordability, and outdoor recreation. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• New Grads: With a manageable cost of living and opportunities for mentorship in practices like Therapeutic Associates.
• Mid-Career PTs: Looking to buy a home or start a family without being "house poor."
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Who want to finish work and be on a trail in 15 minutes.
• Specialists: In orthopedics, sports, or home health, where demand is steady.

If your top priority is maxing out your salary and living in a dense, fast-paced urban environment, a larger city might be a better fit. But for a rewarding career paired with a high quality of life, Longmont offers a compelling and financially sound package.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a new PT graduate in Longmont?
A: It’s competitive but very possible. The key is to start your job search 3-4 months before graduation. Apply to multiple settings (hospital, outpatient, home health). Networking through the CPTN and reaching out directly to clinic managers (with a tailored cover letter) will set you apart. The 14% growth indicates continued openings.

Q: How does the cost of living in Longmont compare to Denver?
A: Longmont is significantly more affordable. While Denver’s average rent for a 1BR is over $1,800, Longmont’s is $1,548. A similar salary will stretch much further in Longmont, especially when considering home prices, which are often $150,000+ lower than in Denver for comparable properties.

Q: What’s the commute like from Longmont to Boulder or Denver?
A: From Longmont to Boulder is a 20-25 minute commute via US-36. To Denver, it’s 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. Many PTs live in Longmont and work in Boulder for a slight salary bump while enjoying lower housing costs. The commute is manageable but factor in gas and time.

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