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How much does a Physical Therapist make?

The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $103,470 per year in the US.

Physical therapists help people improve their movement and manage pain. They work in many places, like hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The average yearly salary for a physical therapist is around $103,470. This means most physical therapists earn between this amount and more.

The salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of work setting. For example, those with more experience often earn more. Physical therapists in big cities usually make more than those in smaller towns. Also, those who work in private practices might earn more than those in hospitals or clinics. The lowest-paid physical therapists earn about $37,000 a year, while the highest-paid earn around $165,000 or more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists in San Jose, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. The average salary there is over $136,000. Other top-paying cities include Sacramento, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, where Physical Therapists also earn over $133,000. These cities offer excellent opportunities for those seeking a rewarding career with competitive pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $136,215 and Santa Rosa, CA with the lowest at $114,903.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $136,215
    In San Jose, therapists enjoy a vibrant community with many tech companies. They work in well-equipped facilities, often collaborating with tech-savvy patients. Prominent employers include Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $133,635
    Sacramento offers a mix of urban and rural settings. Therapists here benefit from a diverse patient base. They often work in government-funded clinics and private practices. Key employers include UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  3. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $133,617
    Colorado Springs provides a scenic backdrop for therapists. The city's active lifestyle attracts many patients. Therapists often work in sports medicine clinics and rehabilitation centers. Notable employers include Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and Centura Health.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $126,325
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for therapists. The city's diverse population brings unique challenges. Therapists work in cutting-edge facilities and tech companies. Major employers include UCSF Health and Sutter Health.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $124,993
    Modesto provides a close-knit community feel. Therapists here enjoy a balanced workload. They work in both private practices and larger healthcare systems. Key employers include Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Modesto, CA


  6. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $122,013
    Ann Arbor offers a vibrant academic setting. Therapists often work with university students and faculty. The city's healthcare system is well-developed. Major employers include the University of Michigan Health System and St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $120,749
    San Diego provides a sunny climate and a healthy lifestyle. Therapists here enjoy a mix of urban and beach settings. They work in top-tier medical facilities. Key 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 small-town feel with big-city opportunities. Therapists work in both rural and urban settings. The city's agricultural industry brings unique cases. Major employers include Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Salinas, CA


  9. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $114,921
    Stockton provides a diverse patient base and a growing healthcare sector. Therapists here benefit from a mix of urban and rural experiences. Key employers include Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph's Medical Center.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $114,903
    Santa Rosa offers a charming setting with a strong healthcare system. Therapists work in both private practices and larger clinics. The city's wine country brings unique lifestyle factors. Major employers include Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente.
    Find Physical Therapist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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

Physical Therapists can find excellent job opportunities with high salaries at Tender Touch Therapy, where the average salary is $189,091. Nurturing Home Health Care offers a competitive average salary of $182,778. Helping U Homecare provides an average salary of $165,000, making it another top choice for Physical Therapists. These companies value skilled professionals and offer attractive compensation packages. BAYADA Home Health Care and Amedisys also provide strong salaries, with averages of $125,821 and $120,819, respectively. Job seekers should consider these employers for rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting Tender Touch Therapy with the highest at $189,091 and Amedisys with the lowest at $120,819.
  1. Tender Touch Therapy
    Average Salary: $189,091
    Tender Touch Therapy offers rewarding Physical Therapist jobs with a focus on personalized care. They operate in several states, including California, Florida, and Texas. Their commitment to patient well-being makes it a top choice for many therapists.


  2. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $182,778
    Nurturing Home Health Care provides excellent opportunities for Physical Therapists. They serve clients in states like New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Their dedication to quality care and supportive environment attracts top professionals.


  3. Helping U Homecare
    Average Salary: $165,000
    Helping U Homecare offers competitive salaries for Physical Therapists. They operate in several states, including Ohio, Michigan, and Georgia. Their focus on patient-centered care and professional growth makes them a great choice.


  4. InHome Therapy
    Average Salary: $161,895
    InHome Therapy provides rewarding Physical Therapist positions. They serve clients in states like Arizona, Colorado, and North Carolina. Their emphasis on personalized care and supportive work environment is highly valued.


  5. Central Coast Home Health & Hospice
    Average Salary: $147,583
    Central Coast Home Health & Hospice offers Physical Therapist jobs with a focus on compassionate care. They operate in California. Their dedication to patient well-being and professional development makes them a top employer.


  6. BrightStar Care
    Average Salary: $147,093
    BrightStar Care provides excellent opportunities for Physical Therapists. They serve clients in multiple states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Their commitment to quality care and supportive environment is well-regarded.


  7. National Home Health Services
    Average Salary: $137,059
    National Home Health Services offers competitive salaries for Physical Therapists. They operate in states like Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. Their focus on patient care and professional growth is highly valued.


  8. All About Kids
    Average Salary: $128,814
    All About Kids provides rewarding Physical Therapist jobs, especially for those interested in pediatric care. They operate in several states, including Texas, Florida, and California. Their dedication to children's health and supportive work environment is highly regarded.


  9. BAYADA Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $125,821
    BAYADA Home Health Care offers Physical Therapist positions with a focus on quality care. They serve clients in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Their commitment to patient well-being and professional development is well-known.


  10. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $120,819
    Amedisys provides excellent opportunities for Physical Therapists. They operate in several states, including Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Their dedication to patient care and supportive work environment makes them a top choice.

How to earn more as a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on these key areas, professionals can enhance their skills and marketability. This leads to better job opportunities and higher pay.

First, consider gaining additional certifications. Specializations in areas like sports therapy, pediatrics, or geriatrics can make a therapist more valuable. These certifications often lead to higher-paying positions. Second, seek out leadership roles. Becoming a clinic manager or director can significantly increase earnings. These roles come with higher responsibilities and salaries. Third, pursue advanced degrees. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or a Master’s degree can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Fourth, work in high-demand areas. Urban centers and regions with aging populations often offer better pay. Lastly, negotiate effectively. Understanding the market rates and being confident in salary discussions can lead to better offers.

Investing in these areas can lead to a more rewarding career in physical therapy. Each step taken towards specialization, leadership, and education can result in higher earnings and job satisfaction.

  1. Gain additional certifications in specialized areas.
  2. Seek leadership roles such as clinic manager or director.
  3. Pursue advanced degrees like a DPT or Master’s degree.
  4. Work in high-demand areas with better pay opportunities.
  5. Negotiate salaries confidently to secure higher pay.

Currently 1,042 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
1,042 Job Openings