How much does a Physical Therapist make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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