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How much does a Physical Therapist make?

The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $100,033 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists can expect higher salaries in several cities. San Jose, CA, offers the highest average salary, making it an attractive destination for professionals in the field. Other top-paying cities include Sacramento, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, providing excellent opportunities for those seeking lucrative positions. Potential job seekers should consider these cities for their career growth. San Diego, CA, and Ann Arbor, MI, also present competitive salaries, along with several other options that promise financial rewards and career advancement.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $134,383 and Cleveland, OH with the lowest at $118,729.
  1. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  4. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  6. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Boston, MA


  7. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Lansing, MI


  10. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Cleveland, OH

What are the best companies a Physical Therapist can work for?

Physical therapists seeking top-paying jobs can look to Tender Touch Therapy and Nurturing Home Health Care, which offer the highest average salaries. These companies provide excellent compensation packages, making them very attractive to experienced professionals in the field. Another option is Helping U Homecare, which also pays well, providing a strong financial incentive for those looking to advance their careers in physical therapy.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting Tender Touch Therapy with the highest at $189,565 and Aveanna Healthcare with the lowest at $124,779.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

Currently 1,929 Physical Therapist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Physical Therapist in the US?

Learn what a Physical Therapist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Physical Therapist today.
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Physical Therapist
1,929 Job Openings