As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a PT in the United States is $106,002 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) I | 0-2 years | $90,857 |
| PT | 2-4 years | $105,984 |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | 4-7 years | $122,283 |
| Physical Therapy Team Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,086 |
| Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy | 7+ years | $126,365 |
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 PTs. 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
|
$115,542 |
9%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$114,482 |
8%
|
|
Management Skills
|
$113,422 |
7%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$112,362 |
6%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$111,302 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$110,242 |
4%
|
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
| 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 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 April 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $67,600 | -36% |
| Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT) III | $122,300 | 15% |
Salaries for a 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 PT salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $73,623 |
| 2024 | $72,722 |
| 2025 | $71,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for PT and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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