Physical Therapist Salaries

Position

Salary

How much does a Physical Therapist make?

The average salary for a Physical Therapist is $98,170 per year in the US.

Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Physical Therapist positions, showing an average salary of $98,170 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Physical Therapist positions, showing an average salary of $98,170 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Physical Therapist positions, showing an average salary of $98,170 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Physical Therapist positions, showing an average salary of $98,170 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Physical therapists help people recover from injuries and improve their movement and function. They often work with patients in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. This career offers a rewarding salary that can increase with experience and specialization.

The average yearly salary for a physical therapist is around $98,170. Salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where one works. Entry-level physical therapists typically earn less, while those with more years in the field can earn significantly more. For instance, the highest-paid physical therapists earn over $174,000 annually. This pay scale reflects the skill and responsibility that comes with the role.

Factors that can influence earnings include:

Years of experience
Specialization in a specific area, such as sports or pediatrics
Geographic location, with some areas offering higher salaries
Work setting, such as hospitals, private practices, or outpatient clinics

What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists can find high-paying job opportunities in several cities across the U.S. San Jose, CA, leads the pack with an average salary of $140,128. Next are Sacramento, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, with average salaries around $133,000 and $132,000 respectively. Other cities with attractive pay include Modesto, CA, and Boston, MA, where salaries hover around $126,000 and $125,000. Job seekers looking for top salaries may find these cities very promising.

Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physical Therapist jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $140,128 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $118,282.

San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $140,128
A career in San Jose offers numerous opportunities for growth. Many prominent healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care, provide excellent platforms for professional development.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $133,416
Sacramento combines a lively community with diverse healthcare needs. Working here, professionals might find positions in places like UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $132,673
Colorado Springs offers a vibrant healthcare environment. At places like Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, professionals can find rewarding work with access to beautiful outdoors.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $126,321
In Modesto, a career in healthcare can offer stability. At Memorial Medical Center and other local facilities, professionals receive support for career advancement.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $125,516
Boston is rich in medical history and innovation. Working here, professionals might find roles at renowned institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.
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Ann Arbor, MI
Average Salary: $124,515
Ann Arbor offers a blend of academic and clinical opportunities. At the University of Michigan Health System, professionals find cutting-edge facilities and research possibilities.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $121,591
Santa Rosa presents a unique mix of suburban and rural healthcare challenges. At places like Sutter Medical Center, professionals thrive in a supportive community.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,753
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals. Opportunities at UCSF Health and other major institutions offer diverse experiences.
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Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $119,123
Lansing offers a mix of healthcare challenges and community engagement. At places like Sparrow Hospital, professionals can make a significant impact.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $118,282
San Diego's healthcare sector is vibrant and diverse. At facilities like Scripps Health and Sharp HealthCare, professionals enjoy a balanced work-life approach.
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What are the best companies a Physical Therapist can work for?

Physical therapists looking for top-paying jobs will find competitive salaries at Tender Touch Therapy and Nurturing Home Health Care. These companies offer the highest average salaries among the listed employers, making them attractive options. Additionally, Helping U Homecare and Evergreen Care Center also provide strong compensation packages for physical therapy professionals.

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 $124,001.

Tender Touch Therapy
Average Salary: $189,565
Tender Touch Therapy offers rewarding Physical Therapist jobs with a focus on personalized care. They operate across multiple locations, providing high-quality rehabilitation services.
Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $185,000
Nurturing Home Health Care provides excellent opportunities for Physical Therapists. They have various locations and offer comprehensive patient care.
Helping U Homecare
Average Salary: $165,000
Helping U Homecare hires skilled Physical Therapists who value patient well-being. They serve many areas and focus on holistic treatment plans.
EVERGREEN CARE CENTER
Average Salary: $150,000
EVERGREEN CARE CENTER offers attractive salaries for Physical Therapists. They provide quality care in many locations, emphasizing patient recovery.
All About Kids
Average Salary: $141,629
All About Kids seeks dedicated Physical Therapists for children. They have various sites and specialize in pediatric rehabilitation.
BrightStar Care
Average Salary: $140,673
BrightStar Care offers rewarding positions for Physical Therapists. They serve numerous locations and prioritize patient comfort and recovery.
Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $132,200
Health Link Home Health Agency provides competitive salaries for Physical Therapists. They operate in several locations, focusing on home-based rehabilitation.
BAYADA Home Health Care
Average Salary: $127,444
BAYADA Home Health Care offers opportunities for Physical Therapists. They serve various locations and prioritize patient care and satisfaction.
Amedisys
Average Salary: $126,710
Amedisys seeks qualified Physical Therapists. They have multiple sites and focus on delivering excellent home health care services.
Aveanna Healthcare
Average Salary: $124,001
Aveanna Healthcare offers jobs for Physical Therapists with a commitment to patient care. They operate in many areas, providing comprehensive health services.

How to earn more as a Physical Therapist?

A Physical Therapist can improve their earnings by focusing on specific areas that enhance skills and marketability. Pursuing advanced certifications can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Specializations like sports medicine, pediatric therapy, or geriatric care often command higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills required.

Gaining experience also plays a crucial role in earning more. Therapists who work in high-demand areas or with specialized populations tend to see larger paychecks. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. Continuing education and keeping skills up-to-date ensures a therapist remains competitive in the job market. Taking on leadership roles such as supervising other therapists or teaching can also lead to higher earning potential.

Below are five factors that can help a Physical Therapist earn more:

Advanced certifications in specialized areas
Experience in high-demand or specialized fields
Strong professional network and reputation
Commitment to continuing education
Leadership roles and mentorship opportunities

Physical Therapist Salaries

How much does a Physical Therapist make?

What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist?

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

How to earn more as a Physical Therapist?

Currently 1,735 Physical Therapist job openings, nationwide.

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

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