As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapist - Intermediate in the United States is $106,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Physical Therapist - Intermediate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Physical Therapist - Intermediate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $116,330 | $9,694 | $2,237 | $56 |
| Average | $106,120 | $8,843 | $2,041 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,970 | $7,998 | $1,846 | $46 |
A Physical Therapist - Intermediate'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physical Therapist - Intermediate'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) I | 0-2 years | $91,008 |
| Physical Therapist - Intermediate | 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 | 6.47% |
| CPR | 2.4% |
| HIPAA | 1.82% |
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 - Intermediate's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment | $115,671 | |
| Environmental Safety | $114,610 | |
| Management Skills | $113,548 |
Physical Therapist - Intermediate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,214. While startup companies pay approximate $96,257.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $96,257 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $101,683 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $109,444 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $113,214 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Therapist - Intermediates enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Physical Therapist - Intermediate with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $99,223 and $104,028).
| Typical Education for Physical Therapist - Intermediate | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 1.2% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 16.6% |
| Masters | 55.5% |
| Doctorate | 25.1% |
Understanding how a Physical Therapist - Intermediate'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 | $116,330 | $9,694 | $2,237 | $56 |
| Average | $106,120 | $8,843 | $2,041 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,970 | $7,998 | $1,846 | $46 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physical Therapist - Intermediate, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Exercise Physiologist | $67,500 | -36% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | $122,500 | 15% |
Salaries for a Physical Therapist - Intermediate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,623 in 2023 to around $71,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Therapist - Intermediate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $73,623 |
| 2024 | $72,722 |
| 2025 | $71,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapist - Intermediate roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.
Physician assistants and physical therapists earn different average salaries. Based on the latest data, physical therapists have a salary range of $95,040 to $112,490, with a mid-salary of $103,520. In comparison, physician assistants earn an average of $73,731 per year, making physical therapists generally better compensated.
California, Nevada, Alaska, New Jersey, and Texas are among the top-paying states for physical therapists, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $95,040 to a maximum of $112,490. Other high-paying areas include Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Washington. Consider the cost of living when evaluating these salaries.
To increase your salary as a physical therapist, consider working in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies, which often offer competitive pay. Seek positions with bonuses or paid overtime, and consider weekend shifts or travel therapy opportunities. Additionally, relocating to rural areas may provide higher salary prospects, with current salaries ranging from $95,040 to $112,490.
Yes, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) often earns more than a Physical Therapist (PT). For instance, the salary range for an Intermediate Physical Therapist is between $95,040 and $112,490, with a mid-salary of $103,520. DPTs, especially those in specialized fields like pain management or sports medicine, may earn higher salaries than this range.
The lowest paid physical therapist earns a minimum salary of $95,040. This figure represents the starting point for professionals in the field, with the potential to earn a mid-range salary of $103,520 and a maximum salary of $112,490 as they gain experience and expertise.
Physical therapists in the home healthcare service industry tend to earn the highest salaries. Based on recent data, the salary range for intermediate physical therapists is between $95,040 and $112,490, with a median salary of approximately $103,520. This indicates a competitive earning potential in this branch of physical therapy.
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