Centennial vs Fort Collins: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Centennial, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Centennial, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,718▲ | $62,634 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.56▲ | $30.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,920 | $52,351▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,063▲ | $55,443 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,740 | $77,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,526▲ | $90,711 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Centennial and Fort Collins is $5,084 (8.12%). Centennial's median is -3.60% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Centennial spans $48,606,Fort Collins spans $38,360. Centennial has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Centennial ($64,493 effective) pays 4.13% more than Fort Collins ($61,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,718/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,526)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,493)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Centennial grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Centennial, CO
$68,494 (2024) → $65,918 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$47,270 (2019) → $60,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Centennial, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Centennial or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Centennial and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Centennial to Fort Collins as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Centennial vs Fort Collins?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov