How much does a Physical Therapist make?
Physical Therapists help people improve their movement and manage pain. This job can be very rewarding. Physical Therapists enjoy working with others to make a big difference in people’s lives. The average yearly salary for a Physical Therapist is $100,033. This number comes from looking at many salaries across the country.
Some Physical Therapists earn less, while others earn more. The pay can depend on several things. These include years of experience, the place where someone works, and the type of patients they help. For example, those who have been working longer may earn more. Also, Physical Therapists in big cities often earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns.
To see how much someone can make, consider these numbers. The lowest-paid 10% of Physical Therapists make about $41,676 a year. The top 10% make more than $161,983. Knowing these numbers can help someone understand what to expect as they gain experience and move up in their career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $134,383
San Jose offers a thriving healthcare sector. Professionals here work with top companies like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. The tech-driven environment brings in a dynamic mix of patients.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $133,433
Sacramento boasts a growing healthcare industry. Therapists can find work with leading facilities such as UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s strong community ties create a supportive work atmosphere.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $133,287
Colorado Springs provides a vibrant setting for healthcare professionals. Well-known employers include Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. The outdoorsy culture here supports a healthy lifestyle for both patients and therapists.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $126,321
Modesto offers a close-knit community with ample job opportunities. Therapists can work with organizations like Memorial Medical Center. The area’s strong agricultural presence often brings unique physical therapy needs.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Average Salary: $124,515
Ann Arbor features a dynamic healthcare scene. Professionals can join institutions like the University of Michigan Health System. The city's academic environment leads to innovative therapy techniques.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $120,618
Boston presents a prestigious healthcare market. Therapists can work with top hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital. The city's rich history in medicine provides a stimulating work environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $120,206
San Diego offers a sunny and healthy lifestyle. Therapists can find positions with top employers like Scripps Health. The city’s diverse population brings a variety of cases and experiences.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,750
San Francisco boasts a cutting-edge healthcare field. Professionals can join leading organizations like UCSF Health. The tech-forward environment leads to innovative therapy practices.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $119,123
Lansing offers a stable healthcare market. Therapists can work with institutions like McLaren Greater Lansing. The city’s strong community support enhances patient care.
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Cleveland, OH
Average Salary: $118,729
Cleveland provides a supportive healthcare community. Professionals can join top employers like the Cleveland Clinic. The city’s emphasis on healthcare innovation leads to advanced therapy techniques.
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What are the best companies a Physical Therapist can work for?

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Tender Touch Therapy
Average Salary: $189,565
Tender Touch Therapy offers rewarding Physical Therapist positions. They serve patients across many locations, providing excellent care. Their dedication to patients makes it a top choice for many.
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Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $184,286
Nurturing Home Health Care values its therapists highly. They operate in multiple locations, offering personalized care. Their supportive environment encourages growth and development.
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Helping U Homecare
Average Salary: $165,000
Helping U Homecare provides opportunities for Physical Therapists in various locations. They focus on patient-centered care and offer a competitive salary. Their team environment is supportive and collaborative.
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EVERGREEN CARE CENTER
Average Salary: $148,615
EVERGREEN CARE CENTER offers diverse Physical Therapist positions. They serve multiple locations and prioritize patient care. Their programs are well-structured, making it a great place to work.
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BrightStar Care
Average Salary: $141,417
BrightStar Care provides valuable Physical Therapist roles. They operate in many areas, focusing on quality care. Their environment supports professional growth and patient well-being.
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All About Kids
Average Salary: $140,028
All About Kids offers Physical Therapist jobs in different locations. They specialize in pediatric care, providing unique opportunities. Their approach is family-friendly and supportive.
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Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $132,200
Health Link Home Health Agency seeks skilled Physical Therapists. They cover multiple locations, offering a caring environment. Their team is dedicated to patient recovery and well-being.
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BAYADA Home Health Care
Average Salary: $127,444
BAYADA Home Health Care provides opportunities for Physical Therapists. They serve various locations, focusing on patient care. Their programs are designed for professional growth and patient support.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $126,671
Amedisys offers rewarding Physical Therapist positions. They operate in multiple locations, prioritizing patient care. Their environment is supportive and focused on patient recovery.
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Aveanna Healthcare
Average Salary: $124,779
Aveanna Healthcare provides diverse Physical Therapist roles. They serve various locations and focus on quality care. Their supportive environment encourages professional development and patient care.
How to earn more as a Physical Therapist?
Becoming a Physical Therapist offers a rewarding career path, but earning more requires strategic planning and dedication. Physical Therapists can enhance their income by focusing on several key areas. These include pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in high-demand settings, continuing education, and exploring diverse work environments. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in maximizing earning potential.
To earn more as a Physical Therapist, consider these factors:
- Advanced Certifications: Obtain certifications in specialized areas such as sports medicine, orthopedics, or neurology. These certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions.
- Experience: Gain experience in high-demand settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, or sports facilities. More experience often leads to higher salary offers.
- Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest treatment techniques and research. Attending workshops, seminars, and courses can boost your skills and marketability.
- Work Environment: Explore different work settings such as private practices, rehabilitation centers, or schools. Each environment may offer unique compensation opportunities.
- Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions such as clinic director or department head. These roles often come with higher salaries and additional benefits.



