Physical therapist salary in the USA is among the better-paying healthcare careers, especially for professionals who have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a state license. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median physical therapist salary is $102,760 per year, which is about $49.40 per hour. The average, or mean, physical therapist salary is around $105,280 per year. Salary can be different depending on the state, work setting, experience, location, and type of patients a physical therapist treats. In some states, physical therapists earn well above $110,000, while lower-paying states can be below $90,000. This guide covers physical therapist salary in the USA, PT salary per hour, monthly income, salary by state, highest-paying states, starting salary, and other important pay details.
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Physical Therapist Salary in the USA
A physical therapist, often called a PT, helps people recover movement, strength and physical function after an injury, illness, surgery, or other medical condition. It is a healthcare profession that requires advanced education, so the salary is generally higher than many other healthcare jobs.
The latest BLS May 2025 data puts the median physical therapist salary at $102,760 per year. The median is useful because it shows the middle point of the profession. Half of physical therapists earn more than this amount and half earn less. The mean annual wage is slightly higher at about $105,280.
Physical therapist pay also has a wide range. The lowest 10 percent earn less than about $77,140 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $135,140. This means an experienced PT working in a strong-paying market can earn considerably more than the national median.
Physical Therapist Salary Per Hour
For people searching for physical therapist salary per hour, the national median is about $49.40 per hour. The mean hourly wage is about $50.62 per hour.
Hourly pay can look different from one job to another. A physical therapist working in a hospital may have a different pay rate than a PT working in an outpatient clinic, home healthcare, nursing facility or private practice. Location also makes a big difference.
For example, a PT in California may earn much more than a PT in a lower-paying state. But salary alone does not tell the complete story because living costs can also be much higher in some of the highest-paying areas.
Physical Therapist Salary Per Month
When the median annual physical therapist salary of $102,760 is divided by 12 months, it comes to roughly $8,563 per month before taxes. This is a simple monthly calculation from the annual salary, not a separate BLS monthly wage figure.
At the national mean salary of $105,280, the simple monthly equivalent is about $8,773 per month before taxes and other deductions.
Actual monthly income can be different because of overtime, bonuses, part-time work, contract arrangements, benefits, and the number of hours worked. Some physical therapists also work in more than one setting, which can change their total yearly income.
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Physical therapist salary by state can vary quite a lot across the United States. California has the highest published median salary for physical therapists at about $124,190 per year, while North Dakota is at about $85,330. This is a difference of almost $39,000 per year.
The table below shows the May 2025 median annual salary for physical therapists in all 50 states. The state salary figures are based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data.
State Wise Physical Therapist Salary in the USA
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $97,290 |
| Alaska | $115,280 |
| Arizona | $103,220 |
| Arkansas | $99,010 |
| California | $124,190 |
| Colorado | $102,030 |
| Connecticut | $104,360 |
| Delaware | $102,050 |
| Florida | $101,040 |
| Georgia | $102,700 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 |
| Idaho | $99,000 |
| Illinois | $105,250 |
| Indiana | $101,560 |
| Iowa | $97,560 |
| Kansas | $98,290 |
| Kentucky | $100,710 |
| Louisiana | $98,530 |
| Maine | $99,720 |
| Maryland | $106,890 |
| Massachusetts | $103,790 |
| Michigan | $100,900 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 |
| Mississippi | $99,990 |
| Missouri | $99,310 |
| Montana | $91,450 |
| Nebraska | $97,090 |
| Nevada | $111,250 |
| New Hampshire | $99,850 |
| New Jersey | $112,140 |
| New Mexico | $106,880 |
| New York | $100,660 |
| North Carolina | $99,910 |
| North Dakota | $85,330 |
| Ohio | $103,050 |
| Oklahoma | $98,590 |
| Oregon | $103,510 |
| Pennsylvania | $101,380 |
| Rhode Island | $99,400 |
| South Carolina | $101,330 |
| South Dakota | $92,660 |
| Tennessee | $100,140 |
| Texas | $105,810 |
| Utah | $99,880 |
| Vermont | $97,970 |
| Virginia | $101,450 |
| Washington | $105,950 |
| West Virginia | $96,600 |
| Wisconsin | $101,840 |
| Wyoming | $100,400 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State figures represent median annual wages.
Highest Paying States for Physical Therapists
If you are looking for the highest paying state for physical therapists, California is currently at the top based on the May 2025 median wage data. Alaska, New Jersey, Nevada and Maryland are also among the states with the strongest physical therapist pay.
- California: $124,190 median annual salary
- Alaska: $115,280 median annual salary
- New Jersey: $112,140 median annual salary
- Nevada: $111,250 median annual salary
- Maryland: $106,890 median annual salary
California stands out because its median physical therapist salary is more than $20,000 above the national median. However, someone choosing a state for a PT career should also check housing, taxes, transportation and general cost of living before deciding only from salary numbers.
How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make?
So, how much does a physical therapist make in the USA? The simple answer is around $102,760 a year at the national median. That works out to about $8,563 per month or $49.40 per hour before taxes when using the BLS median figures.
But there is no single salary that every PT gets. A new physical therapist may start closer to the lower part of the salary range, while an experienced therapist in a high-paying state, specialty or work setting can move well above $100,000 a year.
The type of employer matters too. BLS data shows physical therapists working in home healthcare, nursing and residential care, hospitals, and therapy offices can have different wage levels. In May 2025, home healthcare services had a median wage of about $114,740 for physical therapists, while hospitals had a median of about $106,800.
Physical Therapist Salary Range
The physical therapist salary range is fairly broad in the United States. The national BLS figures show that the bottom 10 percent earn below $77,140, while the top 10 percent earn above $135,140. The middle of the profession is around $102,760.
- 10th percentile: $77,140
- 25th percentile: $86,160
- Median: $102,760
- 75th percentile: $121,160
- 90th percentile: $135,140
This range is useful for understanding PT salary better than looking at only one average number. A physical therapist making $80,000 and another making $130,000 are both possible in the same profession, but their location, employer, experience and job situation may be very different.
Physical Therapist Starting Salary
Physical therapist starting salary is usually lower than the salary of an experienced PT, which is normal for most healthcare careers. A new physical therapist has the education needed to practice, but they are still building practical experience and learning how their workplace operates.
The starting salary for a physical therapist can change a lot depending on the state, city, employer and type of facility. A new PT working in a large hospital may receive a different offer than someone starting in a small outpatient clinic.
Location is one of the biggest things to check when comparing starting pay. Some areas have a higher demand for physical therapists and may offer better salaries to attract qualified professionals. But those areas can also have higher living expenses.
- New graduates normally start below the experienced PT salary range.
- Location can make a noticeable difference in starting pay.
- Hospitals and larger healthcare systems may have structured salary programs.
- Benefits can make one starting job better than another.
Entry Level Physical Therapist Salary
Entry level physical therapist salary is mainly based on the employer, location and the type of work the new therapist will be doing. There is no single entry-level salary that applies to every PT in the USA.
Many new physical therapists begin as staff therapists. The job may include evaluating patients, creating treatment plans, helping patients perform exercises and tracking their progress. The first few years can be important for building clinical confidence.
A new PT should not look only at the starting annual salary. Paid time off, health insurance, retirement benefits, continuing education support and opportunities to learn new skills can also be valuable when comparing two job offers.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience
Experience can have a big impact on physical therapist pay. A therapist who has worked for several years may have more options than someone who has just completed their DPT program. Experience can also help a PT move into a specialty, leadership position or another role with greater responsibility.
There is no fixed salary increase that happens after a certain number of years. Some employers use regular pay increases, while others may increase compensation when a therapist changes roles, gains additional skills or takes on more responsibility.
New Graduate Physical Therapist
A new graduate physical therapist is usually entering the profession with limited practical work experience. The starting salary may be lower than the national median, but the first position can be a useful way to develop real clinical skills.
New PTs often spend time working with more experienced therapists and learning how to handle different types of patients. This experience can become valuable when applying for future jobs.
Experienced Physical Therapist
An experienced physical therapist can have more flexibility when choosing where to work. After several years in the profession, a PT may have experience with specific patient groups or treatment areas.
Experienced therapists can also move into senior therapist, clinical coordinator, manager or other positions. These jobs may have higher compensation because the person is taking on more responsibility.
Senior Physical Therapist
Senior physical therapists may have strong clinical experience and can sometimes take responsibility for mentoring newer therapists or helping manage a department. Pay can be higher than a standard staff PT, but the actual salary depends on the employer and job responsibilities.
PT Salary by Work Setting
Where a physical therapist works can make a real difference in salary. PTs do not all work in the same type of healthcare facility. Some work in hospitals, some in outpatient therapy offices, while others work in home healthcare, nursing facilities or private practice.
BLS data for May 2025 shows different median wage levels across healthcare settings. Physical therapists working in home healthcare services had a median annual wage of about $114,740, while those working in hospitals had a median of about $106,800.
This does not mean every home health PT automatically makes more than every hospital PT. Individual pay still depends on location, experience, employer and other factors.
Physical Therapist Salary in Hospitals
Hospitals are an important employer of physical therapists. Hospital PTs may work with patients recovering from surgery, injuries, serious illness or other medical problems.
Hospital work can provide exposure to many different types of patients. It may also give a new therapist a chance to build experience before moving into a specialty or another type of practice.
Physical Therapist Salary in Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient physical therapy is another common career path. In an outpatient clinic, PTs may treat patients with sports injuries, back pain, joint problems and other conditions that do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Work schedules in outpatient settings can be different from hospital schedules. Some clinics may have evening hours because patients come after work or school. For many therapists, this type of environment can offer a more predictable routine.
Home Health Physical Therapist Salary
Home health physical therapists travel to a patient's home and provide therapy there. This type of work can be different from working in a hospital or clinic because the therapist has to work in the patient's own environment.
According to May 2025 BLS data, home healthcare services had one of the higher median wage levels for physical therapists, at about $114,740 per year. However, travel requirements and scheduling should also be considered before choosing this type of job.
- Home health PTs may travel between different patient locations.
- The work can provide a different level of independence.
- Pay may be competitive depending on the employer and area.
- Travel time and mileage policies are worth checking with the employer.
Physical Therapist Salary in Nursing and Residential Care
Physical therapists also work in nursing and residential care facilities. Patients in these settings may need help improving movement, strength, balance and physical function.
This can be a good setting for therapists who enjoy working with older adults and patients who need longer-term rehabilitation. Salary can be different from hospital and outpatient work, so it is useful to compare actual offers rather than assuming one setting always pays more.
DPT Salary
DPT salary is another common search term because most physical therapists in the United States earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree before entering the profession. The DPT is a professional doctoral degree, and completing the degree is an important part of becoming a licensed physical therapist.
Having a DPT degree does not mean every physical therapist earns the same amount. Salary is still affected by state, experience, specialty, employer and work setting.
A new DPT graduate may earn an entry-level salary, while an experienced PT with several years of clinical experience can earn considerably more. Some therapists also move into management, teaching or other healthcare roles as their career develops.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay
Physical therapist hourly pay can be useful when comparing job offers, especially for therapists who work part-time, per diem or on an hourly basis. The national median hourly wage for physical therapists was about $49.40 in May 2025.
However, an hourly rate should not be viewed by itself. A job paying $50 per hour with limited benefits may not always be a better deal than a job paying $47 per hour with strong health insurance, retirement contributions and paid time off.
Some employers may also offer different rates for weekends, holidays or additional shifts. Contract and per diem PT jobs can have different pay structures as well.
Physical Therapist Salary vs Physical Therapy Assistant Salary
Physical therapist and physical therapist assistant are two different healthcare careers, and their salary levels are also different. A physical therapist evaluates patients, develops treatment plans and provides professional clinical care, while a physical therapist assistant works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.
Because the education and scope of practice are different, PT salary is generally higher than physical therapist assistant salary. Someone choosing between these careers should look at education requirements, licensing, job responsibilities, salary and the amount of time required to enter the profession.
- Physical therapists require a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
- Physical therapist assistants follow a different educational pathway.
- The two roles have different responsibilities.
- Salary should be compared along with education time and career goals.
What Affects Physical Therapist Salary?
When someone searches for the average physical therapist salary, it is easy to think there should be one simple number. In reality, several factors decide how much an individual PT earns.
Location
Location is one of the biggest salary factors. A PT working in California may earn much more than someone working in a lower-paying state. But the cost of housing and other expenses can also be very different.
Experience
Experience can help a physical therapist qualify for better positions. An experienced PT may have specialized clinical knowledge that makes them more valuable to certain employers.
Specialty
Physical therapists can work with different patient groups and develop skills in areas such as sports rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurological rehabilitation, pediatrics or geriatrics. Specialty knowledge can create additional career opportunities.
Employer
Different employers have different salary structures. A large hospital system, private clinic, home healthcare company and nursing facility may offer completely different compensation packages for similar PT positions.
Work Schedule
The number of hours worked and the schedule can also affect total yearly income. Some therapists work regular weekday hours, while others may work evenings, weekends or additional shifts.
- State and city
- Years of professional experience
- Clinical specialty
- Healthcare employer
- Full-time or part-time schedule
- Benefits and retirement package
- Overtime or additional shifts
Highest Salary for Physical Therapists
The highest salary for physical therapists is usually found among experienced professionals working in high-paying states, specialized healthcare settings or positions with greater responsibility. According to the latest BLS wage data, the top 10 percent of physical therapists earn more than about $135,140 per year.
Some physical therapists can move above the national salary range as they gain experience and develop specialized clinical skills. Location is also important because states such as California, Alaska and New Jersey have higher median PT wages than many other states.
However, a high salary does not always mean higher take-home income. A physical therapist should also consider taxes, housing costs, commuting expenses, insurance and other living costs before deciding where to work.
Can a Physical Therapist Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, a physical therapist can make $100,000 or more per year in the United States. In fact, the latest national median salary is already above $100,000 at about $102,760 per year.
But not every PT earns six figures. A new graduate may start below $100,000, while an experienced therapist or someone working in a high-paying state can earn well above this amount.
Physical therapists who want to reach a six-figure salary can consider several career factors:
- Working in a state with higher PT wages
- Building several years of clinical experience
- Developing skills in a specialty area
- Considering home healthcare positions
- Moving into senior or leadership roles
- Comparing total compensation instead of salary only
Physical Therapist Salary by Specialty
Physical therapy is a broad profession, and therapists can develop expertise in different areas. A specialty does not automatically guarantee a higher salary, but specialized skills can create more career opportunities.
Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Orthopedic physical therapists work with patients who have muscle, bone, joint and movement-related problems. They may treat back pain, sports injuries, arthritis and patients recovering from orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic therapy is one of the common career directions for PTs. Salary depends mainly on the employer, location and experience rather than the specialty name alone.
Sports Physical Therapist
Sports physical therapists work with athletes and active people recovering from injuries or trying to improve physical performance. They may work in clinics, sports organizations, schools or other healthcare environments.
Sports rehabilitation can be attractive for therapists who enjoy working with active patients. Building experience and professional connections can help a PT find opportunities in this area.
Neurological Physical Therapist
Neurological physical therapists work with people who have conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord or nervous system. Treatment may focus on balance, movement, strength and helping patients become more independent.
This area can require strong clinical knowledge and patience because rehabilitation may take a long time. Experienced neurological PTs can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and other healthcare settings.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Pediatric physical therapists work with children who have developmental, movement or physical challenges. Their work may take place in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics or specialized pediatric facilities.
This specialty can be a good fit for therapists who enjoy working with children and families. Salary still depends on the employer and location.
Geriatric Physical Therapist
Geriatric physical therapists work with older adults. They may help patients improve balance, strength, mobility and physical function after illness, injury or surgery.
Demand for rehabilitation services can be important in settings that serve older adults. Physical therapists in this area may work in hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics and home healthcare.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook
The physical therapist job outlook in the United States is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of physical therapists to grow by about 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for many occupations.
BLS also projects around 13,900 physical therapist job openings each year over the decade, on average. These openings can come from new employment growth as well as workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
The demand for physical therapy is connected with several factors, including an aging population and the continued need for rehabilitation after injuries, surgeries and other health conditions.
- An aging U.S. population can increase demand for rehabilitation.
- Older adults may need help maintaining mobility and physical independence.
- Patients recovering from surgery may require physical therapy.
- Sports and accident-related injuries can also create demand.
- Healthcare providers continue to use rehabilitation to improve patient function.
Is Physical Therapy a Good Career in the USA?
Physical therapy can be a good career for someone who wants to work in healthcare but also enjoys movement, exercise and direct patient interaction. The profession has a strong salary level and a positive employment outlook.
However, becoming a physical therapist requires a significant investment in education. Students normally complete undergraduate education followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy program and then meet their state's licensing requirements.
Because of this, salary should not be the only reason to choose the profession. A person should also think about education costs, student loans, clinical work, patient interaction and whether they actually enjoy rehabilitation work.
Physical Therapist Education and Licensing
Physical therapists generally need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. After completing the required education, graduates must meet state licensing requirements to practice.
Licensing rules are controlled by individual states, so requirements can be different depending on where a person wants to work. Most states require candidates to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
The education path takes several years, but it leads to a professional healthcare career with relatively strong earning potential.
Physical Therapist Benefits and Total Compensation
When comparing physical therapist jobs, salary is only one part of the compensation package. Two jobs with similar annual pay can have very different total value because of benefits.
Some employers may offer health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, continuing education assistance and other benefits. These extras can make a noticeable difference over the course of a career.
- Health and dental insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Paid sick time
- Continuing education support
- Professional development opportunities
- Student loan assistance in some positions
Physical Therapist Salary: What to Expect
Overall, physical therapist salary in the USA is strong compared with many other healthcare occupations. The national median is about $102,760 per year, while the mean annual wage is around $105,280 based on the latest BLS data.
Salary can increase or decrease depending on where the PT works, the employer, experience, specialty and work setting. California currently has the highest state median in the data used for this guide, while several other states also offer salaries above the national median.
For someone considering this career, the most useful approach is to look at the complete picture rather than one salary number. A good physical therapist job should offer reasonable pay, useful benefits, a manageable schedule and opportunities for professional growth.
Physical Therapist Salary FAQs
What is the average physical therapist salary in the USA?
The median physical therapist salary in the USA is about $102,760 per year, while the mean annual wage is about $105,280 according to the latest BLS data.
How much does a physical therapist make per hour?
The national median hourly wage for physical therapists is about $49.40 per hour. Actual hourly pay depends on state, employer, experience and work setting.
How much does a physical therapist make per month?
The national median annual salary of $102,760 equals about $8,563 per month before taxes when divided across 12 months.
What state pays physical therapists the most?
California has the highest median annual physical therapist salary in the May 2025 state data used in this article, at about $124,190 per year.
Can physical therapists make over $100,000?
Yes. The national median salary is already above $100,000, and experienced physical therapists in high-paying locations can earn considerably more.
What is the starting salary for a physical therapist?
Starting salary varies by employer, state, location and experience. New graduates generally earn less than experienced physical therapists and can increase their earnings as they build experience.
Do physical therapists make more in hospitals?
Hospitals are one of the major employers of physical therapists, but hospital pay is not automatically the highest. BLS data shows that wages can differ between hospitals, home healthcare, outpatient services and other settings.
Is physical therapy a high-paying career?
Yes, physical therapy is generally a well-paying healthcare career. The national median salary is above $100,000, although education and licensing requirements are significant.
Is the demand for physical therapists growing?
Yes. BLS projects physical therapist employment to grow about 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, with thousands of job openings expected each year.
What affects a physical therapist's salary?
State, city, experience, employer, work setting, specialty, schedule and overall compensation package can all affect how much a physical therapist earns.
Final Thoughts
Physical therapist salary in the USA offers a strong earning opportunity for people willing to complete the required education and licensing process. With a national median salary of about $102,760, many PTs can reach six-figure annual earnings, while experienced professionals in high-paying states may earn considerably more.
Still, the best physical therapist job is not always the one with the biggest salary. Location, cost of living, benefits, working hours, patient load and career growth should all be considered before accepting a position. For people interested in healthcare, rehabilitation and helping patients regain movement, physical therapy can be a rewarding career with a strong long-term outlook.