upper level job

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary in the United States

How much does a College Instructor - Physical Therapy make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Physical Therapy in the United States is $68,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a College Instructor - Physical Therapy's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $86,176
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,300 to $77,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,833

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salaries

A College Instructor - Physical Therapy's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Physical Therapies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $75,900.
  • California: $75,600.
  • Massachusetts: $74,600.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Physical Therapies

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $86,500
  • San Francisco: $85,500
  • Oakland: $83,700

What Skills Can Increase a College Instructor - Physical Therapy's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.22% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Tutoring (Mentioned in 2.14% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
  • First Aid (Mentioned in 1.42% Job Postings): First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.22%
Tutoring 2.14%
First Aid 1.42%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Instructor - Physical Therapy's salary.

  • Safety Standards: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Law Enforcement: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Curriculum Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Safety Standards $77,518
13%
Law Enforcement $77,518
13%
Curriculum Development $72,030
5%

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Physical Therapy salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $70,823. While startup companies pay approximate $60,480.

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,480
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,824
Established 501~5000 $68,547
Enterprise 5000+ $70,823

How Education impacts a College Instructor - Physical Therapy's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Physical Therapies enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Physical Therapy with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,563 and $68,570).

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Physical Therapy
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 14.3%
High School 14.3%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 28.6%
Doctorate 28.6%

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - Physical Therapy's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$59,300
Average $68,600/year
$77,800
$4,942
Average $5,717/month
$6,483
$1,140
Average $1,319/week
$1,496
$29
Average $33/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,800 $6,483 $1,496 $37
Average $68,600 $5,717 $1,319 $33
25th Percentile $59,300 $4,942 $1,140 $29

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Physical Therapy, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Instructor - Physical Therapy Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 5%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 4%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 40%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 32%

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Physical Therapy

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for College Instructor - Physical Therapy

Here are companies hiring for College Instructor - Physical Therapy and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next College Instructor - Physical Therapy Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current College Instructor - Physical Therapy job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about College Instructor - Physical Therapy

1. What is the highest paid physical therapist in the US?

The highest paid physical therapists in the US can earn significantly more than college instructors in this field. While college instructors in physical therapy have salaries ranging from $53,600 to $86,300, physical therapists in California average around $114,270, reflecting the demand and growth potential in the profession.

2. Is it hard to become a college instructor?

Becoming a college instructor can be challenging. A master's degree is typically needed for two-year colleges, while a doctoral degree is essential for four-year institutions. Salaries for college instructors in physical therapy range from $53,600 to $86,300, with a median salary of $66,200, reflecting the level of education and experience required in this field.

3. What is the high end salary for a physical therapist?

The high-end salary for a College Instructor in Physical Therapy is $86,300. While this figure is specific to academic positions, it's worth noting that Physical Therapists in states like California and Nevada can earn significantly more, with mean salaries reaching up to $114,270 and $111,460, respectively.

4. What is the highest level of physical therapist?

The highest level of physical therapist is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). In this role, professionals can expect a salary range from $53,600 to $86,300, with a median salary of $66,200, reflecting the advanced education and expertise required in the field.

5. Where in the US do therapists make the most money?

While the highest salaries for therapists vary, College Instructors in Physical Therapy earn between $53,600 and $86,300, with a median salary of $66,200. States with strong healthcare programs and demand for physical therapy professionals often offer competitive salaries, so it's beneficial to research specific regions for the best opportunities.

6. Does PT make more than RN?

Yes, physical therapists (PTs) generally earn more than registered nurses (RNs). The minimum salary for PTs is $53,600, with a median salary of $66,200 and a maximum of $86,300. In comparison, RNs typically earn less across all salary ranges, making PTs a more lucrative career option.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst