As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapist (PT) in the United States is $106,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Physical Therapist (PT)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physical Therapist (PT)'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 (PT)'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 | $90,887 |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | 2-4 years | $106,009 |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | 4-7 years | $122,319 |
| Physical Therapy Team Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,095 |
| Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy | 7+ years | $126,385 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Physical Therapist (PT)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.47% |
| CPR | 2.4% |
| HIPAA | 1.82% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Alignment
|
$115,650 |
9%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$114,589 |
8%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$113,528 |
7%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$112,467 |
6%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$111,406 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$110,345 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Therapist (PT)s 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 (PT) with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $99,277 and $104,094).
Physical Therapist (PT) Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 (PT)'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physical Therapist (PT), 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 | $67,600 | -36% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | $122,400 | 15% |
Salaries for a Physical Therapist (PT) 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 (PT) 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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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physical Therapist (PT) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program and pass a state licensure exam. The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years. Physical therapists can expect to earn a salary ranging from $95,101 to $112,501, with a median salary of $103,601.
Physician assistants and physical therapists earn different average salaries. According to the latest salary data, physical therapists have a salary range with a minimum of $95,101, a mid-range of $103,601, and a maximum of $112,501. In comparison, physician assistants earn an average of $73,731 per year, making physical therapists generally better compensated.
Physical therapists (PTs) earn varying salaries across states. The minimum salary is $95,101, the mid-range salary is $103,601, and the maximum salary reaches $112,501. States like California, Nevada, and Alaska typically offer salaries at or near the higher end of this range, making them some of the best-paying locations for PTs.
The cost of PT school varies significantly, with some programs like California State University, Long Beach costing around $92,331, while others, such as Campbell University, can reach $136,440. Considering the average salary for a Physical Therapist ranges from $95,101 to $112,501, investing in education can lead to a rewarding career financially.
Physical therapist salaries typically range from $95,101 to $112,501, with a median salary of $103,601. This indicates that, on average, physical therapists earn slightly more than occupational therapists.
Highly skilled PTs can earn between $95,101 and $112,501, with a mid-salary of $103,601. DPTs, especially those specializing in areas like pain management or sports medicine, may earn more, but many experienced PTs in specialized settings can achieve similar salary levels.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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