Denver vs Grand Junction: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Grand Junction, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Grand Junction, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,103▲ | $66,918 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.26▲ | $32.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,283▲ | $49,259 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,347▲ | $57,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,499▲ | $78,393 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,669▲ | $79,708 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Junction.
The salary gap between Denver and Grand Junction is $185 (0.28%). Denver's median is -4.48% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $42,386,Grand Junction spans $30,449. Denver 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, Grand Junction ($70,089 effective) pays 10.49% more than Denver ($63,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,103/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,669)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Junction if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,089)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Denver grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Grand Junction over the same period.
Denver, CO
$57,610 (2019) → $65,320 (2025)
Grand Junction, CO
$61,420 (2019) → $65,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Denver or Grand Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Grand Junction?
Should I relocate from Denver to Grand Junction as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Denver vs Grand Junction?
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