PT Assistant Salary

Denver vs Westminster: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Westminster, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Denver, CO
$67,103
$32.26/hr
Westminster, CO
$67,293
$32.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDenver, COWestminster, CO
Median Salary$67,103$67,293
Hourly Rate$32.26$32.35
Entry Level (P10)$54,283$48,219
25th Percentile$62,347$58,165
75th Percentile$80,499$79,235
Top Earner (P90)$96,669$91,085
Total Employed59019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Denver ($67,103) and Westminster ($67,293) physical therapist assistant salaries.DenverWestminsterMedian Salary$67,103$67,293Entry Level (P10)$54,283$48,219Top Earner (P90)$96,669$91,085US Median $70,247

Verdict

Denver and Westminster are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Denver and Westminster is $190 (0.28%). Westminster's median is -4.21% 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,Westminster spans $42,866. Westminster has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Denver
P10 (Entry)$54,283
P25$62,347
Median$67,103
P75$80,499
P90 (Top)$96,669
Westminster
P10 (Entry)$48,219
P25$58,165
Median$67,293
P75$79,235
P90 (Top)$91,085

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Westminster ($64,089 effective) pays 1.03% more than Denver ($63,435 effective).

Denver
Nominal: $67,103
CoL Index: 105.782
Adjusted: $63,435
Westminster
Nominal: $67,293
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $64,089

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Denver if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($96,669)
  • Larger job market (590 employed)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Westminster if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,293/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,089)
  • 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 -3.1% growth in Westminster over the same period.

Denver, CO

+13.4%

$57,610 (2019) → $65,320 (2025)

Westminster, CO

+-3.1%

$67,576 (2024) → $65,505 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Denver or Westminster?

Westminster has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $67,293/year, compared to Denver at $67,103/year — a difference of $190 (0.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Westminster?

Denver physical therapist assistants earn $32.26/hr while Westminster hygienists earn $32.35/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Denver to Westminster as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Denver and Westminster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Denver = $63,435, Westminster = $64,089), job availability (590 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Denver vs Westminster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $54,283 in Denver and $48,219 in Westminster. The Denver area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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