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Physical Therapist - Associate Salary in the United States

How much does a Physical Therapist - Associate make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,050
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,630 to $103,070
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,180

Key Factors That Influence Physical Therapist - Associate Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Physical Therapist - Associate Salaries?

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:

  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Physical Therapist - Associate0-2 years$91,008
Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) II2-4 years$106,115
Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III4-7 years$122,469
Physical Therapy Team Supervisor7+ years$107,131
Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy7+ years$114,558

Top Paying Cities for Physical Therapist - Associates

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: $114,790
  • San Francisco: $113,540
  • Oakland: $111,140

What Skills Can Increase a Physical Therapist - Associate's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.94% 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.
  • Billing (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): Billing refers to the aspect of banking, whereby someone is charged accurately for what item they purchased.
  • Case Management (Mentioned in 1.74% Job Postings): Connecting patients with suitable healthcare providers, resources, and services to ensure they receive optimal, cost-effective care.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.94%
Billing 2.35%
Case Management 1.74%

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 Physical Therapist - Associate's salary.

  • Clinical Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Assessment And Evaluation: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Leadership $106,482
17%
Assessment And Evaluation $104,662
15%
Collaboration $104,662
15%

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary by Company Size

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

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Physical Therapist - Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Physical Therapist - Associate positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physical Therapist - Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Physical Therapist - Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$104,661$50.015%

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$80,630
Average $91,010/year
$103,070
$6,719
Average $7,584/month
$8,589
$1,551
Average $1,750/week
$1,982
$39
Average $44/hour
$50
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

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Physical Therapist - Associate Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Physical Therapist - Associate

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

Common company salaries for Physical Therapist - Associate

Here are companies hiring for Physical Therapist - Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Physical Therapist - Associate

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Physical Therapist - Associate?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapist - Associate roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. How much do physical therapist assistants make in the US?

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.

3. Is PTA school harder than nursing?

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.

4. What state pays PTA the most?

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).

5. Who gets paid more PA or PT?

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.

6. What is the lowest paid physical therapist?

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.

7. What type of PT gets paid the most?

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.

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.)

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