Physical therapy stands as a vital component of the healthcare industry, dedicated to enhancing movement, functionality, and overall well-being for individuals recovering from injuries or managing persistent health issues. As the need for rehabilitation services expands, physical therapy has emerged as a highly desirable and stable career path. 1
Pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a recognized institution like the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) sets the stage for a fulfilling career in this growing sector. A key question for many aspiring professionals is: “How Much Does A Physical Therapist Make?” and what career opportunities are available with a graduate degree in physical therapy?
This guide will explore the earning potential within physical therapy, including the highest-paying specialties, salary variations across different locations, strategies to increase your income as a PT, and valuable insights to propel your physical therapy career forward.
Average Physical Therapist Salary in the US
The median annual salary for physical therapists in the United States was $99,710 as of May 2023. Notably, the top 10% of earners in this profession exceeded $130,870 per year. 2 These figures provide a general overview, but it’s important to recognize that actual salaries can fluctuate based on several factors including geographic location, years of experience, the type of healthcare facility, professional credentials, and specialized skills. While pinpointing the absolute highest-paid physical therapist specialty is complex, certain industries and skill sets tend to offer more lucrative opportunities.
According to data from May 2023, the healthcare sectors with the highest median annual salaries for physical therapists are: 2
- Home Healthcare Services: $107,870
- Hospitals: $103,690
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: $102,810
- Offices of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists: $93,050
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Geographic location plays a significant role in determining a physical therapist’s earning potential. Salary ranges can vary considerably from state to state, influenced by factors like cost of living, demand for services, and local market conditions.
| State | 2023 Annual Mean Salary Range3 |
|---|---|
| California | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Nevada | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| New Jersey | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Alaska | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Connecticut | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| New York | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Texas | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Washington | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Hawaii | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Illinois | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Delaware | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Maryland | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Washington, D.C. | $100,810 – $114,270 |
| Arizona | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Alabama | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Virginia | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Georgia | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Ohio | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Minnesota | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Utah | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Colorado | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Oregon | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Louisiana | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Massachusetts | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| New Mexico | $96,860 – $100,310 |
| Mississippi | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Rhode Island | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Wisconsin | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Vermont | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| West Virginia | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Indiana | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| North Carolina | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Michigan | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| South Carolina | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Florida | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Tennessee | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Oklahoma | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| New Hampshire | $94,130 – $96,760 |
| Wyoming | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Missouri | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Idaho | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Nebraska | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Kansas | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Iowa | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| South Dakota | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Maine | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Kentucky | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Montana | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| North Dakota | $52,690 – $93,780 |
| Puerto Rico | $52,690 – $93,780 |
As indicated in the table, several states including California, Nevada, and New Jersey, demonstrate the highest annual mean salary ranges for physical therapists, often reaching above $114,000. Conversely, states like Wyoming, Missouri, and Idaho show ranges starting as low as $52,690. This data underscores the importance of considering location when evaluating salary expectations. Job seekers should research specific cities and regions within states to gain a more precise understanding of local salary norms.
Specialization and Physical Therapist Salaries
While general physical therapy practice offers a solid income, specializing in a particular area can potentially lead to enhanced earning potential. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers board certification in ten distinct specialty areas through The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABTS). 4 These specializations demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills, which can be valued by employers and reflected in salary levels.
While specific salary data for each specialization isn’t uniformly available, it’s generally recognized that board-certified specialists often command higher salaries due to their focused expertise. Factors such as location, specific skills within the specialty, and the type of employment setting continue to influence individual PT salaries.
Strategies to Increase Your Physical Therapist Salary
To maximize your earning potential as a physical therapist and advance your career, a multifaceted approach is often necessary. Key factors that can contribute to a higher PT salary include:
- Experience: As with most professions, years of experience in physical therapy typically correlate with increased earnings. Experienced PTs bring a wealth of practical knowledge and refined skills to their roles.
- Education: While a DPT is the standard entry-level degree, further education, such as pursuing a clinical residency or fellowship, can enhance expertise and potentially lead to higher salary prospects.
- Specialization: Becoming a board-certified specialist demonstrates a commitment to advanced practice and can open doors to higher-paying positions.
- Market Demand: Understanding the demand for physical therapy services in specific geographic areas or within certain specialties can be advantageous. Areas with higher demand may offer more competitive salaries.
Continuously investing in professional development, honing your skills, and actively seeking opportunities for career advancement are crucial for long-term financial growth as a physical therapist. Here are specific strategies to consider:
Leverage Specialization in Diverse Industries
Combining your physical therapy expertise with management or administrative skills can significantly boost your earning potential. Consider roles that bridge clinical practice with leadership, such as:
- Rehabilitation Director: Overseeing the operations of a physical therapy department or rehabilitation center.
- Clinic Manager: Managing the daily operations of a physical therapy clinic, including staffing, patient scheduling, and financial aspects.
- Healthcare Consultant: Providing expertise in physical therapy and rehabilitation to healthcare organizations or insurance companies.
Furthermore, exploring opportunities outside of traditional clinical settings can be rewarding. For those interested in research, a career as a medical scientist, leveraging a PT background, can be another avenue for professional and financial growth. The average annual salary for medical scientists is around $100,890. 18
Target Geographic Locations Strategically
Salary levels for physical therapists are influenced by location, but it’s crucial to consider the cost of living in different areas. A higher salary in one city might be offset by a significantly higher cost of living, resulting in less disposable income. Researching nationwide average salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and comparing it with cost-of-living indices can help identify locations that offer a favorable balance between income and expenses. Exploring specific specialties within these promising locations can further refine your job search and salary expectations.
Negotiate Your Salary Effectively
When accepting a new physical therapy position or seeking a salary increase in your current role, preparation and confident negotiation are essential. Thoroughly research prevailing physical therapist salaries in your geographic area. Utilize this data to support your salary expectations during negotiations. Highlight your unique qualifications, relevant experience, and the specific value you bring to the position. Approach salary discussions with confidence and assertiveness to advocate for your worth.
Physical Therapist Salary FAQs
To address common queries regarding physical therapist salaries, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
What Do the Highest 10% of PTs Earn Annually?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the top 10% of physical therapists earn approximately $130,870 or more per year. 2 It’s important to remember that these higher salary averages often reflect factors beyond just base pay, such as extensive experience, specialized expertise, or positions in high-paying sectors or locations.
Which Type of Physical Therapist Earns the Most?
Physical therapists working in home healthcare services currently hold the distinction of having the highest median annual salary. 2 As of May 2023, the median annual salary for PTs in home healthcare was $107,870. This may be attributed to factors such as the demands of home-based care, travel requirements, and the growing need for in-home rehabilitation services.
What Are the Overall Benefits of a Physical Therapy Career?
Beyond salary considerations, a career in physical therapy offers numerous intrinsic and extrinsic rewards:
- Making a Difference: Physical therapists directly impact people’s lives by helping them recover from injuries, improve mobility, manage chronic conditions, and enhance their overall quality of life. This ability to contribute positively to others’ well-being is a significant source of professional fulfillment.
- Diverse Work Environments: PTs enjoy flexibility in choosing their work settings. Options range from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to private clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, sports facilities, and more. This variety allows for career paths tailored to individual preferences and interests.
- Career Growth Opportunities: Physical therapy offers ample avenues for professional advancement. PTs can pursue specialist certifications, take on leadership roles, engage in research or academia, or establish their own private practices.
- Collaborative Practice: Physical therapists typically work as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, collaborating with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other professionals. This team-based approach fosters a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and comprehensive patient care.
- Competitive Compensation: As highlighted throughout this guide, physical therapy offers a competitive salary, reflecting the value and demand for these healthcare professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a robust job growth rate of 15% for physical therapists between 2022 and 2032, indicating continued strong demand and career stability. 1
While the exact figure of “how much does a physical therapist make” depends on individual circumstances, the profession consistently provides a respectable income alongside significant personal and professional benefits.
Begin Your Physical Therapy Journey with USAHS
Embark on a rewarding career path by choosing a hands-on DPT program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), the largest physical therapy school in the nation.* Our Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides an immersive learning experience with expert faculty-practitioners and a collaborative peer network.
Through hands-on health science training and state-of-the-art simulation centers, you’ll gain a deep understanding of anatomy using advanced technology. USAHS prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, practice innovation, and healthcare policy.
Explore our DPT program today, attend a complimentary webinar, or start your DPT application. We are ready to address your questions about physical therapy education and career pathways, from program costs to diverse work settings for PTs.
* Based on total DPT degrees conferred during 2020-2022, as reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
**The salary information presented is based on self-reported data for general informational purposes. Data accuracy may vary.
