As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapist - Associate in the United States is $91,010 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Physical Therapist - Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Physical Therapist - Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $103,070 | $8,589 | $1,982 | $50 |
| Average | $91,010 | $7,584 | $1,750 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,630 | $6,719 | $1,551 | $39 |
A Physical Therapist - Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physical Therapist - Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist - Associate | 0-2 years | $91,008 |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) II | 2-4 years | $106,115 |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | 4-7 years | $122,469 |
| Physical Therapy Team Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,131 |
| Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy | 7+ years | $114,558 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.94% |
| Billing | 2.35% |
| Case Management | 1.74% |
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 Physical Therapist - Associate's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Leadership | $106,482 | |
| Assessment And Evaluation | $104,662 | |
| Collaboration | $104,662 |
Physical Therapist - Associate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,094. While startup companies pay approximate $82,552.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $82,552 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,205 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $93,860 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $97,094 |
Understanding how a Physical Therapist - Associate'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $103,070 | $8,589 | $1,982 | $50 |
| Average | $91,010 | $7,584 | $1,750 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,630 | $6,719 | $1,551 | $39 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physical Therapist - Associate, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Athletic Trainer | $59,800 | -34% |
| Clinical Exercise Specialist | $50,800 | -44% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) II | $106,200 | 17% |
Salaries for a Physical Therapist - Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,122 in 2023 to around $64,428 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Therapist - Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $65,122 |
| 2024 | $65,031 |
| 2025 | $64,428 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapist - Associate roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The salary for physical therapist associates in the US ranges from $87,620 to $103,980, with a median salary of $95,830. Earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the specific practice setting.
Physical therapy education is often considered more demanding than nursing due to the requirement of advanced degrees, including a doctoral degree. In terms of salary, Physical Therapists earn between $87,620 and $103,980, with a median salary of $95,830, reflecting the extensive training and expertise needed in this field.
The best-paying states for Physical Therapist Assistants offer significantly higher salaries than the national average. With a minimum salary of $87,620, a mid-range salary of $95,830, and a maximum salary of $103,980, these positions provide competitive compensation compared to states like Nevada ($80,360) and California ($77,700).
Physician assistants and physical therapists earn different average salaries. According to the latest data, the average salary for PAs is $73,731 per year, while physical therapists earn between $87,620 and $103,980 annually, with a mid-salary of $95,830. This indicates that physical therapists generally earn more than physician assistants.
The lowest paid physical therapist earns a minimum salary of $87,620 annually. The median salary for this profession is $95,830, while the highest earners can make up to $103,980. These figures reflect the current salary data for physical therapists, highlighting the range of earnings in the field.
The highest-paying physical therapists typically work in outpatient care centers, where salaries can exceed the average range. Based on current data, the salary for a Physical Therapist - Associate ranges from $87,620 to $103,980, with a mid-salary of $95,830. This indicates a competitive earning potential within the field.
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