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How much does a Physical Therapist make?

The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $103,151 per year in the US.

Physical therapists help people improve their movement and manage pain. They work in many different places, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The average yearly salary for a physical therapist is around $103,151. This means that most physical therapists earn between $37,000 and $163,090 each year. The salary can depend on the therapist's experience, location, and the type of facility they work in.

Physical therapists often start with lower salaries when they first begin their careers. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. Therapists who work in big cities or specialized clinics may also earn more. Some physical therapists choose to work part-time or freelance, which can affect their total yearly income. Overall, being a physical therapist can be a rewarding career with good earning potential.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists can find top-paying jobs in several cities across the U.S. San Jose, California, leads with an average salary of $136,791. Other cities like Sacramento, Colorado Springs, and San Francisco also offer high salaries. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $136,791 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $114,676.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $136,791
    In San Jose, professionals enjoy a vibrant community with many tech companies. The demand for physical therapy is high, offering diverse opportunities. Notable employers include Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $133,761
    Sacramento offers a balanced lifestyle with a growing healthcare sector. The city provides many opportunities for those in the field. Major employers include UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $131,785
    Colorado Springs boasts a healthy lifestyle with outdoor activities. The city's healthcare needs create many job openings. Employers like Penrose-St. Francis Health Services offer excellent opportunities.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $127,068
    San Francisco is a hub for healthcare innovation. The city offers many positions in cutting-edge facilities. Companies like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $124,993
    Modesto provides a welcoming environment with a strong community focus. The city offers many opportunities in healthcare. Local employers include Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $122,092
    Ann Arbor is known for its academic environment. The city offers many positions in research and clinical settings. Employers like the University of Michigan Health System provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $120,319
    San Diego offers a sunny climate and a thriving healthcare sector. The city provides many job opportunities. Notable employers include Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $119,501
    Salinas offers a close-knit community with a strong agricultural base. The city provides many opportunities in healthcare. Local employers include Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Salinas, CA


  9. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $117,131
    Tampa offers a warm climate and a growing healthcare market. The city provides many job opportunities. Employers like Tampa General Hospital and BayCare Health System offer excellent positions.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Tampa, FL


  10. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $114,676
    Santa Rosa offers a relaxed lifestyle with a strong healthcare sector. The city provides many opportunities for growth. Employers like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health offer excellent career paths.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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

Physical Therapists can find rewarding opportunities with top-paying companies. Nurturing Home Health Care leads with an average salary of $182,778. Helping U Homecare and InHome Therapy also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $165,000 and $161,895, respectively. These companies provide excellent benefits and career growth for dedicated professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting Nurturing Home Health Care with the highest at $182,778 and Broad River Rehabilitation with the lowest at $118,840.
  1. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $182,778
    Nurturing Home Health Care offers rewarding Physical Therapist jobs. They provide care in homes across the country. Their focus is on personalized care, making them a top choice for many.


  2. Helping U Homecare
    Average Salary: $165,000
    Helping U Homecare is known for its competitive pay for Physical Therapists. They serve clients in various states and emphasize a supportive work environment. Their commitment to quality care makes them a great employer.


  3. InHome Therapy
    Average Salary: $161,895
    InHome Therapy offers excellent opportunities for Physical Therapists. They provide in-home care services in multiple locations. Their dedication to patient care and professional development is well-regarded.


  4. BrightStar Care
    Average Salary: $147,025
    BrightStar Care provides Physical Therapist jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in many areas, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Their commitment to quality care is evident.


  5. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $142,992
    Sutter Health offers Physical Therapist jobs with a competitive salary. They have facilities in various locations. Their focus on patient care and professional growth makes them a top employer.


  6. National Home Health Services
    Average Salary: $137,059
    National Home Health Services provides rewarding Physical Therapist jobs. They serve clients in many regions. Their emphasis on quality care and employee support is well-known.


  7. BAYADA Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $124,238
    BAYADA Home Health Care offers Physical Therapist jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in various locations. Their commitment to quality care and employee development is highly regarded.


  8. Critical Connection, Inc.
    Average Salary: $119,946
    Critical Connection, Inc. offers Physical Therapist jobs with a supportive work environment. They serve clients in many areas. Their dedication to quality care and employee support is evident.


  9. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $119,601
    Amedisys provides Physical Therapist jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in various locations. Their commitment to quality care and employee development is well-regarded.


  10. Broad River Rehabilitation
    Average Salary: $118,840
    Broad River Rehabilitation offers Physical Therapist jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in many areas. Their dedication to quality care and employee support is highly regarded.

How to earn more as a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy is to specialize in a niche area of physical therapy. Specializations such as sports therapy, pediatric therapy, or geriatric care often command higher pay rates. Another way to earn more is by obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in areas like orthopedics or neurological rehabilitation can make a Physical Therapist more valuable to employers.

Gaining experience and advancing in the field also plays a crucial role in earning more. Physical Therapists who work in high-demand areas or who take on leadership roles often see higher salaries. Networking and building strong relationships with other professionals can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Lastly, pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can open doors to higher-paying roles, such as academic positions or advanced clinical practice.

Consider these factors to boost earnings as a Physical Therapist:

  • Specialize in a niche area
  • Obtain additional certifications
  • Gain experience and advance in the field
  • Network with other professionals
  • Pursue higher education degrees

Currently 1,086 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
1,086 Job Openings