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PT Salary in the United States

How much does a PT make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a PT in the United States is $106,202 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, a PT's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $125,689
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $96,002 to $116,402
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $86,715
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence PT Salaries

A 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.

How Experience Level Affects PT Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 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:

  • Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) I (0-2 years): $91,008
  • PT (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
Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) I0-2 years$91,008
PT2-4 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
View as Graph

How Do PT 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 PTs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $117,502.
  • California: $117,102.
  • Massachusetts: $115,502.

Top Paying Cities for PTs

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: $133,902
  • San Francisco: $132,402
  • Oakland: $129,602

What Skills Can Increase a PT's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.47% 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.
  • CPR (Mentioned in 2.4% Job Postings): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
  • HIPAA (Mentioned in 1.82% Job Postings): The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.47%
CPR 2.4%
HIPAA 1.82%
See More Skills

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 PT's salary.

  • Alignment: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Environmental Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Management Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Alignment $115,760
9%
Environmental Safety $114,698
8%
Management Skills $113,636
7%
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PT Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

PT salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $113,301. While startup companies pay approximate $96,332.

PT Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $96,332
Growth Stage 51~500 $101,762
Established 501~5000 $109,528
Enterprise 5000+ $113,301

PT Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For PT roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 10% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 5% above the average. Conversely, PT positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view PT as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a PT

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$111,512$54.05%

How Education impacts a PT's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many PTs 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 PT with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $99,278 and $104,095).

PT Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for PT
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%
View as Graph

PT Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 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 September 01, 2026
$96,002
Average $106,202/year
$116,402
$8,000
Average $8,850/month
$9,700
$1,846
Average $2,042/week
$2,239
$46
Average $51/hour
$56
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $116,402 $9,700 $2,239 $56
Average $106,202 $8,850 $2,042 $51
25th Percentile $96,002 $8,000 $1,846 $46

PT Salary Growth & Career Path

PT

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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 $67,500 -36%
Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III $122,500 15%

Most common benefits for PT

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

Common company salaries for PT

Here are companies hiring for PT and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about PT

1. What industry pays the highest salary for PT?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for PT roles, with salaries approximately 5% above the market median.

2. Can physical therapists make 100k?

Yes, physical therapists can make over $100,000. Based on salary data, the minimum salary is $95,102, the mid-salary is $103,602, and the maximum salary reaches $112,502. This indicates that many physical therapists earn salaries within or above this range, especially in high-paying states like California and Nevada.

3. How much is PT in the USA?

The salary for physical therapists (PT) in the USA ranges from a minimum of $95,102 to a maximum of $112,502, with a mid-salary of $103,602. On average, sessions typically cost between $75 and $120, with specialized services or in-home therapy rates ranging from $100 to $150. This article will delve into the average costs associated with physical therapy.

4. Where do PTs make the most money?

Physical Therapists (PTs) tend to earn the highest salaries in regions where demand for healthcare services is strong. Based on current salary data, PTs can expect a minimum salary of $95,102, a mid-range salary of $103,602, and a maximum salary of $112,502. Areas with higher living costs and specialized healthcare facilities often offer the best compensation.

5. Can I live comfortably as a physical therapist?

As a physical therapist, you can expect a salary range from $95,102 to $112,502, with a median of $103,602. This competitive pay enables a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, the growing demand for physical therapy ensures numerous job opportunities, making it a promising career choice with various benefits.

6. Do nurses or PTs make more?

Physical therapists earn a median salary of $103,602, with a minimum of $95,102 and a maximum of $112,502. This is generally higher than registered nurses, who typically earn less across all salary ranges. Thus, physical therapists have a higher earning potential compared to nurses.

7. Which state pays PT the most?

The state that pays Physical Therapists (PT) the most offers a salary range with a minimum of $95,102, a mid-level salary of $103,602, and a maximum of $112,502. This competitive compensation reflects the demand for skilled PT professionals in the area, making it an attractive location for those in 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.)

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

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