Physical Therapist in Ogden, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Ogden Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping healthcare jobs in Northern Utah, I can tell you that Ogden offers a solid financial proposition for Physical Therapists (PTs), especially when you factor in the city's lower cost of living. The median salary for PTs in the Ogden-Clearfield metro area is $98,244 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.23. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710, but the real story is in the local purchasing power, which we'll unpack in the next section.

To understand your potential earnings within Ogden’s market, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown. These are realistic estimates based on local hospital systems and outpatient clinic pay scales, reflecting the progression you’d see in this region.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Ogden Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level PT	0-2 years	$82,000 - $90,000	Often starts in home health, skilled nursing, or acute care rotations.
Mid-Career PT	3-8 years	$90,000 - $105,000	Common in outpatient ortho or hospital-based outpatient clinics.
Senior PT	9-15 years	$105,000 - $120,000	May include clinical lead roles, specialty focus, or home health supervision.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$120,000+	Clinic director, lead clinician in a specialty (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular).

When compared to other Utah cities, Ogden holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than Salt Lake City (metro population ~1.26 million), where the median PT salary is closer to $102,000 but rents and home prices are significantly higher. Compared to Provo or St. George, Ogden’s job market is smaller (with 174 PT jobs in the metro per the latest data) but offers a more balanced lifestyle. The 10-year job growth for PTs in the Ogden area is projected at 14%, driven by an aging population and the expansion of regional healthcare services. This growth is slightly above the national average for the profession, indicating steady demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here’s where Ogden’s value becomes clear. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $98,244. I’m using conservative estimates for taxes (federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare) based on single filer status with the standard deduction.

• Gross Monthly Salary: $98,244 / 12 = $8,187
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (approx. 25%): $2,047
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $6,140

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ogden is $1,108 per month. The overall Cost of Living Index for Ogden is 95.1 (U.S. average = 100), meaning it’s about 5% cheaper than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Take-Home: $6,140
• Rent (1BR): -$1,108
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Insurance, & Savings: $5,032

With over $5,000 left after rent and taxes, a PT in Ogden has substantial disposable income. Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Ogden is roughly $400,000. With a 20% down payment ($80,000), a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $2,030 (including property tax and insurance). This is well within the $5,000 leftover in the monthly budget, making homeownership very achievable for mid-career and senior PTs, even on a single income.

Where the Jobs Are: Ogden's Major Employers

The Ogden job market is anchored by a few key healthcare networks. Hiring trends show a consistent demand for PTs in orthopedics and home health, with growing opportunities in outpatient neurological rehab.

1. Intermountain Health (Ogden Regional Medical Center & McKay-Dee Hospital): The largest employer. They have a robust outpatient physical therapy department in their medical offices. They often hire for acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient ortho. Insider Tip: McKay-Dee’s orthopedics program is the busiest in the region. Express interest in their sports medicine track if you have that background.

2. University of Utah Health (Ogden Clinic): U of U Health has a significant outpatient presence in Ogden, particularly in specialty clinics. They are a major employer for PTs in the area, often focusing on neurology and complex orthopedics. Hiring is competitive but offers excellent benefits and professional growth.

3. Select Medical (Select Physical Therapy): A national outpatient chain with multiple clinics in the Ogden area (e.g., Clearfield, Layton). They are a steady employer for new grads and offer structured mentorship. Their hiring trend is focused on volume and efficiency in a private practice model.

4. Sundance Medical Center: A large multi-specialty group in the heart of Ogden. They have an in-house physical therapy department that serves a high volume of patients. They tend to hire for general outpatient orthopedics and have a stable patient base.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Encompass Health, local branches of LHC Group): Home health is a major component of PT practice in Northern Utah due to the suburban and semi-rural spread. These agencies often, but not exclusively, hire experienced PTs. The pay can be productive-based, leading to higher earnings than the median.

6. Weber School District & Davis School District: For PTs with a pediatric focus, school-based therapy is a stable, government-sector job with excellent benefits and summers off. These positions are competitive and often require a Peds certification.

7. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) - Facilities like Mountain View Hospital and Rehabilitation and various others in the Ogden-Layton corridor are consistent employers, especially for PTs interested in geriatrics.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah’s licensure requirements are straightforward but require attention to detail. The process is managed by the Utah Physical Therapy Licensing Board.

1. Education & Exam: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. This is a non-negotiable first step.
2. Jurisprudence Exam: Utah requires a separate jurisprudence exam on state rules and statutes. It’s an online, open-book test that you can take after passing the NPTE. The fee is approximately $25.
3. Background Check & Application: Submit a full application through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). This includes fingerprints for a background check. The application fee is $275.
4. Timeline: Once you have your NPTE score, the process typically takes 4-8 weeks. If you’re an out-of-state applicant, you’ll need to verify your education and may have additional steps. The total cost, including the NPTE exam fee (around $485), is roughly $800-$1,000.

Insider Tip: Utah is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other member states to practice more easily in Utah. If you’re licensed in a compact state (like Colorado, Arizona, or Texas), the process is significantly faster and cheaper.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Ogden impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is divided by the Wasatch Mountains, creating distinct living areas.

1. Downtown Ogden: The historic heart, with a walkable core, the 25th Street commercial district, and a growing arts scene. It’s ideal for PTs who want a short commute to McKay-Dee Hospital or Sundance Medical Center (both are nearby). The vibe is urban, with a mix of young professionals and long-time residents.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,250

2. East Bench (East of Harrison Blvd): The established, family-friendly neighborhood with stunning mountain views. It’s quieter, with larger yards and top-rated schools in the Weber School District. Commute to major employers is easy via Harrison or Wall Avenue.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR/Rentals are scarce): $1,200 - $1,400 (more 2BR+)

3. West Haven / Plain City (West of I-15): These are rapidly growing suburbs with newer construction, more space, and a "modern suburban" feel. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to Ogden clinics. Popular with young families and professionals. Commute is straightforward via I-15 or 31st Street.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,150 - $1,300

4. South Ogden / Roy (South of 21st Street): More affordable and densely populated, with a mix of older and newer homes. Close to the Layton border and the major retail corridors. Good access to I-15 for commuting to Layton or Clearfield employers.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,100

5. North Ogden / Farr West: Family-centric, quiet, and with a strong sense of community. Commute to Ogden is via 400 North or I-15. These areas are popular for those who want a suburban feel with easy access to outdoor recreation.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,200

The Long Game: Career Growth

Utah’s healthcare landscape is evolving, and PTs who specialize can command significant premiums. The 14% job growth over the next decade is your runway for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: Board-certified specialists (OCS for Ortho, NCS for Neuro, etc.) can earn 10-20% more than the median salary. In Ogden’s market, this could mean an additional $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Pelvic health and vestibular rehab are also emerging specialties with high demand.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from clinician to Clinic Director (managing staff and operations) or Lead Clinician (specializing and mentoring). Another path is into home health management or education (teaching at a local PTA program or in-service training).
• 10-Year Outlook: With an aging population and the continued expansion of University of Utah Health and Intermountain in the region, demand will remain strong. We expect to see more corporate-owned outpatient clinics and a continued push for value-based care, which favors PTs who can demonstrate outcomes. For those with entrepreneurial spirit, Ogden’s growing downtown is ripe for private practice startups, particularly in niche areas like sports performance or pediatric therapy.

The Verdict: Is Ogden Right for You?

Ogden is a strong choice for Physical Therapists who value a balance between career opportunity and quality of life. It’s not a bustling metropolis, but it offers a robust job market, a low cost of living, and unparalleled access to the outdoors.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The median salary of $98,244 goes far with a Cost of Living Index of 95.1.	Smaller Job Market: Only 174 jobs in the metro—less variety than Salt Lake City.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are minutes away.	Limited Nightlife: The social scene is quieter compared to a major city.
Stable, Growing Demand: 14% 10-year job growth and major employers like Intermountain and U of U.	Air Quality: Winter inversions can trap pollution in the valley, affecting respiratory health.
Manageable Commute: Easy access to employers from most neighborhoods.	Transient Population: Some areas see higher turnover, but core neighborhoods are stable.
Home Ownership is Feasible: The math works for a median salary earner.	Limited Specialized Care: For highly niche specialties, you may need to refer to Salt Lake City.

Final Recommendation: Ogden is an excellent choice for a PT, especially for an early to mid-career professional looking to build equity. It’s ideal for those who love the outdoors and want a community feel without sacrificing career growth. If you’re a new grad looking for the highest possible salary in a hyper-competitive urban market, you might look to Salt Lake City or Phoenix. But for most, Ogden’s combination of salary, affordability, and lifestyle is a winning formula.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new PT graduates in Ogden?
A: It’s moderately competitive. New grads will find entry-level positions, especially in home health or SNFs, but getting into a top outpatient ortho clinic at Intermountain or U of U may require a strong clinical rotation in that setting or a specialty interest. Networking with local PTs through the Utah Physical Therapy Association (UPTA) is highly recommended.

Q: Is the demand for PTs in Ogden really that strong?
A: Yes. The 14% projected growth is driven by a growing and aging population. Furthermore, the concentration of major healthcare systems (Intermountain, U of U) ensures a steady pipeline of job openings. The 174 jobs in the metro is a solid number for a city of 87,272 people.

Q: What’s the commute like from the suburbs to the main employers?
A: Very manageable. From West Haven or South Ogden to McKay-Dee or Intermountain clinics, expect a 15-25 minute drive, mostly on main arteries or I-15. Traffic is minimal compared to Salt Lake City. Public transportation exists but is limited for healthcare commutes; a car is essential.

Q: Can I specialize in a niche area like pelvic health or vestibular rehab in Ogden?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to be proactive. While there are clinics offering these services, demand often outstrips supply. Getting certified in a specialty (like through the APTA) and marketing yourself to employers or starting a side practice is the best way to establish yourself. There’s a growing patient population in these areas.

Q: Is the license transfer process from another state difficult if I’m not in a compact state?
A: It’s more paperwork but straightforward. You’ll need to have your credentials verified directly from your school and the NPTE. The Utah DOPL website has detailed checklists. The process can take 8-12 weeks if you’re meticulous with your application. Using the compact route (if eligible) is much faster.