Salary for Physical Therapist

When you complete this course, you will obtain a high-quality overview of physical therapy—one of the most essential careers in the healthcare industry. The high demand for the physical therapist profession continues with the growing need for healthcare services. For those who are interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or those that are already practicing, salary trends and circumstances affecting their earnings can help. This guide goes in depth about physical therapist salaries, what factors influence them, how much they vary by geography, and what the job outlook looks like.

Salary of a Physical Therapist Average

National Average

The annual income of a physical therapist (PT) can vary based on the region, experience, education history, and area of specialization. From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2024, the median annual wage for physical therapists is approximately $97,000 per year. Starting base salaries range from $70,000, while more experienced positions can reach over $120,000.

Salary Growth Over the Years

The following is a graphical depiction for the average salary of physical therapists over the course of the past ten years:

Graph 1Displaying Average Physical Therapist Salary Over The Years ( 2014-2024 )

Factors Influencing Salary

A physical therapist’s salary is affected by several factors, including:

Experience Level

Entry-Level (0-2 years) Salary: $70,000 – $80,000

Mid-Career (3-10 Years of Experience): $85,000 - $100,000

Senior (10+ years): $100,000 – $120,000+

Location and Cost of Living

Moreover, physical therapist salaries can vary considerably by state and metropolitan area. Here is a breakdown of the average salaries in various states:

Graph 2: Top-5 Best-Paying States for Physical Therapy

Work Setting

Physical therapists work in different settings, which may affect their salaries:

Hospitals: $90,000 – $100,000

Privately run clinics: $85,000–$95,000

Healthcare Services at Home: $95,000 — $110,000

Sports and Rehabilitation Centers — $100,000 to $120,000

Specializations and certifications

Earnings Potential If you earn a certification for a specialty area, you may earn more money. Here are some examples of lucrative specializations:

Orthopedic Physical Therapy: $105K

Sports Therapy: $110,000

— Neurological Rehabilitation: $100,000

Pediatric Physical Therapy: $98K

Job Outlook and Future Trends

Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The specific factors contributing to this growth include:

Aging Population Requiring Rehabilitation Services

Increased awareness of the benefits of Salary for Physical Therapist

Medical technology progresses with each passing year

Expected Salary Growth

As demand grows, salaries are expected to rise consistently. Here is a projection of salaries based on current data:

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Tips for Increasing Your Physical Therapist Salary

So if you want to make more money as a physical therapist, then consider the following:

Seek Further Certifications: Given the current job market, specializing in high-demand fields can result in better pay.

Experience: Salary increases naturally with more years in practice.

Negotiate Salaries: Research salary benchmarks and negotiate your salary in job offer acceptance and raise requests.

High-Paying Locations, Higher Earnings: Moving to a high-demand state or city of your choice will influence earnings.

Private Practice: Running your own clinic can be very lucrative.

If you choose to be a physical therapist, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, earn a good salary, and have access to a wide range of job opportunities. Experience, location, and specialty all impact earnings in noticeable ways, but a commitment to continual education and career advancement can help maximize salary potential. The arena of physical therapy offers a bright financial future whether you are just starting or you want to advance your career.