Table of Contents
Physical Therapist Job DescriptionTop 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for Physical Therapist Jobs in the USHistorical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary MedianMedian salary, Entry-level salary, Average-salaryAverage Physical Therapist Salary by State (for non-traveling physical therapists)Average Physical Therapist Job Salary by State (for traveling physical therapists)What is the average incentive bonus for a Physical Therapist Job?Employed vs. self-employed Physical Therapist JobHow to do an effective Physical Therapist job searchMost common benefits for a Physical TherapistWhat is the average salary of a Physical Therapist in the U.S.?Do physical therapist salaries vary by geographical location?How does experience affect a physical therapist’s salary?Are there opportunities for physical therapists to earn additional income?What benefits typically accompany an employed physical therapist’s salary?Physical Therapist Job Description
A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps patients improve their movement and manage their pain. They work with individuals who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that affect their physical function and mobility. A physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and life goals and set measurable goals for their recovery. They may use exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques like heat, cold, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to improve the patient’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
The outlook and demand for physical therapists (PTs) is positive, driven by several factors including an aging population, an increased focus on preventive care, and advancements in medical technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The popularity of sports and fitness activities has also contributed to the demand for physical therapists who can treat sports-related injuries and provide rehabilitation.
Top 5 Highest and Lowest Paying States for Physical Therapist Jobs in the US
Specific salary data varies by state and over time. The salary for a physical therapist is influenced by the demand for practitioners, cost of living, and regional economic conditions. According to Zippia, the highest and lowest-paying states for physical therapists are as follows:
Top 5 Highest Paying States for Physical Therapists:
1. California
2. Alaska
3. Washington
4. Nevada
5. Hawaii
Top 5 Lowest Paying States for Physical Therapists:
1. Arkansas
2. Vermont
3. South Dakota
4. Florida
5. Iowa
The state data varies between resources.
Historical Data (Salary Outlook) For Salary Median
**Chart from https://www.zippia.com/salaries/physical-therapist/#salary-history-line-chartMedian salary, Entry-level salary, Average-salary
The median salary for a physical therapist in the U.S. is influenced by their experience, location, and specialization. An entry-level salary for those just starting their career is around $60,000-$70,000. Mid-level PTs may earn between $75,000 and $90,000 and senior PTs may earn from $90,000 to $110,000, annually. The average salary of a physical therapist is around $91,010 per year, with a median salary of $95,620. Traveling physical therapists may receive a higher hourly rate because of their 1099 status. Non-traveling physical therapists who are working in a permanent hospital position and are W2 employees may have variations in salary based on specialization, geographic location, type of healthcare institution, and expertise level.
Average Physical Therapist Salary by State (for non-traveling physical therapists)
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama | $73,562 | $1,414 | $35.37 |
| Alaska | $95,954 | $1,845 | $46.13 |
| Arizona | $77,008 | $1,480 | $37.02 |
| Arkansas | $64,149 | $1,233 | $30.84 |
| California | $106,493 | $2,047 | $51.20 |
| Colorado | $72,634 | $1,396 | $34.92 |
| Connecticut | $76,988 | $1,480 | $37.01 |
| Delaware | $76,926 | $1,479 | $36.98 |
| Florida | $67,478 | $1,297 | $32.44 |
| Georgia | $70,314 | $1,352 | $33.80 |
| Hawaii | $81,840 | $1,574 | $39.35 |
| Idaho | $74,891 | $1,440 | $36.01 |
| Illinois | $75,232 | $1,446 | $36.17 |
| Indiana | $70,909 | $1,363 | $34.09 |
| Iowa | $67,671 | $1,301 | $32.53 |
| Kansas | $69,896 | $1,344 | $33.60 |
| Kentucky | $69,892 | $1,344 | $33.60 |
| Louisiana | $73,531 | $1,414 | $35.35 |
| Maine | $70,091 | $1,348 | $33.70 |
| Maryland | $76,765 | $1,476 | $36.91 |
| Massachusetts | $79,796 | $1,535 | $38.36 |
| Michigan | $71,589 | $1,377 | $34.42 |
| Minnesota | $77,587 | $1,492 | $37.30 |
| Mississippi | $75,221 | $1,447 | $36.16 |
| Missouri | $68,447 | $1,316 | $32.91 |
| Montana | $69,053 | $1,238 | $33.20 |
| Nebraska | $74,016 | $1,423 | $35.58 |
| Nevada | $85,244 | $1,639 | $40.98 |
| New Hampshire | $76,203 | $1,465 | $36.64 |
| New Jersey | $78,760 | $1,515 | $37.87 |
| New Mexico | $74,292 | $1,428 | $35.72 |
| New York | $74,295 | $1,429 | $35.72 |
| North Carolina | $70,975 | $1,364 | $34.12 |
| North Dakota | $70,298 | $1,352 | $33.80 |
| Ohio | $69,275 | $1,332 | $33.31 |
| Oklahoma | $71,849 | $1,382 | $34.54 |
| Oregon | $78,937 | $1,518 | $37.95 |
| Pennsylvania | $71,255 | $1,370 | $34.26 |
| Rhode Island | $76,918 | $1,479 | $36.98 |
| South Carolina | $71,724 | $1,379 | $34.48 |
| South Dakota | $66,170 | $1,272 | $31.81 |
| Tennessee | $68,632 | $1,319 | $33.00 |
| Texas | $72,675 | $1,398 | $34.94 |
| Utah | $69,855 | $1,343 | $33.58 |
| Vermont | $65,309 | $1,256 | $31.40 |
| Virginia | $75,627 | $1,454 | $36.36 |
| Washington | $88,437 | $1,700 | $42.52 |
| West Virginia | $67,957 | $1,306 | $32.67 |
| Wisconsin | $71,769 | $1,380 | $34.50 |
| Wyoming | $76,240 | $1,466 | $36.65 |
Average Physical Therapist Job Salary by State (for traveling physical therapists)
| State | Annual Salary | Weekly Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Alabama (Birmingham) | $90,621 | $1,742 | $43.57 |
| Alaska (Juneau) | $102,469 | $1,971 | $49.26 |
| Arizona (Phoenix) | $96,009 | $1,846 | $46.16 |
| Arkansas (Little Rock) | $92,744 | $1,784 | $44.58 |
| California (San Francisco) | $113,923 | $2,190 | $54.77 |
| Colorado (Boulder) | $100,282 | $1,929 | $48.21 |
| Connecticut (Hartford) | $97,537 | $1,876 | $46.89 |
| Delaware (Dover) | $96,641 | $1,858 | $46.46 |
| Florida (Miami) | $92,483 | $1,778 | $44.46 |
| Georgia (Atlanta) | $92,987 | $1,788 | $44.70 |
| Hawaii (Honolulu) | $95,497 | $1,836 | $45.91 |
| Idaho (Boise) | $92,030 | $1,779 | $44.24 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $99,610 | $1,916 | $47.89 |
| Indiana (Indianapolis) | $92,427 | $1,777 | $44.43 |
| Iowa (Des Moines) | $94,366 | $1,815 | $45.37 |
| Kansas (Topeka) | $90,999 | $1,750 | $43.75 |
| Kentucky (Lexington) | $96,106 | $1,848 | $46.20 |
| Louisiana (New Orleans) | $92,862 | $1,786 | $44.64 |
| Maine (Portland) | $98,930 | $1,902 | $47.56 |
| Maryland (Annapolis) | $95,720 | $1,841 | $46.01 |
| Massachusetts (Boston) | $105,049 | $2.020 | $50.50 |
| Michigan (Detroit) | $95,724 | $1,841 | $46.02 |
| Minnesota (St Paul) | $97,795 | $1,881 | $47.02 |
| Mississippi (Jackson) | $84,262 | $1,620 | $40.51 |
| Missouri (Jefferson City) | $91,650 | $1,762 | $44.06 |
| Montana (Helena) | $91,633 | $1,762 | $44.05 |
| Nebraska (Lincoln) | $84,184 | $1,619 | $40.47 |
| Nevada (Carson City) | $94,700 | $1,821 | $45.53 |
| New Hampshire (Concord) | $97,330 | $1,872 | $46.79 |
| New Jersey (Trenton) | $96,961 | $1,865 | $46.62 |
| New Mexico (Santa Fe) | $94,918 | $1,825 | $45.63 |
| New York (Manhattan) | $106,715 | $2,052 | $51.30 |
| North Carolina (Charlotte) | $94,443 | $1,816 | $45.40 |
| North Dakota (Bismarck) | $96,340 | $1,852 | $46.31 |
| Ohio (Columbus) | $93,397 | $1,796 | $44.90 |
| Oklahoma (OK City) | $89,825 | $1,727 | $43.18 |
| Oregon (Portland) | $102,545 | $1,972 | $49.30 |
| Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) | $97,573 | $1,876 | $46.91 |
| Rhode Island (Providence) | $97,684 | $1,878 | $46.96 |
| South Carolina (Charleston) | $90,488 | $1,740 | $43.50 |
| South Dakota (Pierre) | $96,349 | $1,853 | $46.32 |
| Tennessee (Nashville) | $93,397 | $1,796 | $44.90 |
| Texas (Austin) | $95,845 | $1,843 | $46.08 |
| Utah (Salt Lake City) | $93,572 | $1,799 | $44.99 |
| Vermont (Montpelier) | $97,755 | $1,880 | $46.99 |
| Virginia (Richmond) | $95,692 | $1,840 | $46.00 |
| Washington (Spokane) | $97,770 | $1,880 | $47.00 |
| West Virginia (Charleston) | $93,975 | $1,807 | $45.18 |
| Wisconsin (Green Bay) | $94,051 | $1,808 | $45.21 |
| Wyoming (Cheyenne) | $91,629 | $1,762 | $44.05 |
What is the average incentive bonus for a Physical Therapist Job?
The average bonus for a physical therapist is between $1,000 and $5,000. They may be eligible for several different bonuses including performance, referral, or sign-on. Performance bonus metrics may include patient satisfaction, number of patient visits, and patient outcomes. Those with specializations or additional certificates may receive higher bonuses based on their expertise.
Physical therapists often collect on-call pay bonuses, holiday, and overtime bonuses. They may also be offered a retention bonus after staying with their employer for a specific number of years or a referral bonus for recommending a hired colleague. These bonuses can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
Employed vs. self-employed Physical Therapist Job
Salaries vary between employed and self-employed physical therapists. Employed PTs benefit from a stable income, health insurance, a retirement plan, a CME allowance, liability coverage, and paid time off. A self-employed NP has a higher earning potential, increased flexibility, but must find their own jobs, and may/may not be provided with healthcare, liability coverage, or a retirement plan.
How to do an effective Physical Therapist job search
It is easy to find a physical therapist position with PRNHealthcare. Find the “allied” link at the top of our website. Use the position job search bar by searching “I am a PT” and your specialty. Finally, use the location bar to select your state and city of choice.
Most common benefits for a Physical Therapist
Being a physical therapist comes with both professional and personal benefits including:
- High Demand/Job Security- Physical therapists are in high demand due to an aging population, an increased awareness of the benefits of PT, and technological advancements.
- Competitive Salary- Physical therapists earn a competitive salary, bonuses, and incentives. They may also be offered a benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and PTO.
- Continuous Learning- The profession of physical therapy is always changing so many opportunities exist for learning and professional growth through continuing medical education (CME) or career workshops. Many opportunities exist to pursue an advanced certificate in a specialty like orthopedics or sports.
- Work-Life Balance- Physical therapy positions offer flexible hours and part-time work for a better work-life balance. The career allows a PT to manage their personal and professional responsibilities.
- Impact on Patient Care- PTs have the satisfaction of building strong relationships and helping patients improve their mobility, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life.
- Reduced Burnout- Unlike other professions, PTs have a more predictable schedule and less exposure to high-stress situations and environments.
Community Involvement- PTs become valuable members of their community by participating in health fairs, workshops, or wellness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of a Physical Therapist in the U.S.?
Data suggests the average annual salary for a physical therapist in the United States is $91,010 per year. This figure can vary depending on location, years of experience, employment situation, specialization, and the type of healthcare facility. Those with a specialization or experience will earn more due to the specialized skills required.
Do physical therapist salaries vary by geographical location?
A physical therapist’s salary will vary significantly by geographical location. Generally, therapists in urban areas or regions with a high cost of living tend to earn higher salaries. For example, those located in states like California and New York often earn more than those in rural or less populated states due to demand and differences in the cost of living.
How does experience affect a physical therapist’s salary?
Experience plays an important role in the determination of a physical therapist’s salary. Entry-level therapists may start with a lower salary, which can increase substantially with experience or specialization. Senior-level PTs with 10+ years of experience have clinical expertise, advanced certifications, and may have management or supervisor roles.
Are there opportunities for physical therapists to earn additional income?
There are many opportunities for physical therapists to earn additional income including attaining an advanced specialization, opening their own practice, providing consultation to providers or sports teams, telehealth visits, or home care.
What benefits typically accompany an employed physical therapist’s salary?
In addition to a salary or hourly rate, physical therapists may receive a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans (such as a 401(k) or pension), paid time off (PTO), continuing education allowances, licensing fees, and professional liability insurance. Benefits can significantly enhance the overall compensation package and provide long-term financial stability for non-traveling physical therapists. Bonuses may also be offered for performance or sign-on.