As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapist I in the United States is $90,948 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Physical Therapist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Physical Therapist I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Physical Therapist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist I | 0-2 years | $90,948 |
| Physical Therapist II | 2-4 years | $106,062 |
| Physical Therapist III | 4-7 years | $122,394 |
| Physical Therapy Supervisor | 7+ years | $107,113 |
| Physical Therapy Manager | 7+ years | $126,425 |
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.94% |
| Billing | 2.35% |
| Case Management | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$106,409 |
17%
|
|
Assessment And Evaluation
|
$104,590 |
15%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$104,590 |
15%
|
|
Clinical Skills
|
$104,590 |
15%
|
|
Geriatrics
|
$101,862 |
12%
|
|
Home Care
|
$101,862 |
12%
|
Physical Therapist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,097. While startup companies pay approximate $82,556.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $82,556 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,201 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $93,886 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $97,097 |
For Physical Therapist I 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 positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physical Therapist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $104,590 | $50.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Physical Therapist I'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Physical Therapist I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | $59,747 | -34% |
| Exercise Specialist | $50,769 | -44% |
| Physical Therapist II | $106,062 | 17% |
Salaries for a Physical Therapist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,122 in 2023 to around $64,428 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Therapist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,122 |
| 2024 | $65,031 |
| 2025 | $64,428 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Physical Therapist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Physical Therapist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Physical Therapist I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Physical Therapist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Physical Therapist I is $114,713.
The highest pay for Physical Therapist I is $113,959.
The lowest pay for Physical Therapist I is $71,129.
Evaluates and treats patients recovering from injury, disease, surgery, or other ailments. Establishes individualized treatment plans and treats patients using a variety of methods, including exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment. Maintains patient records by keeping track of goals and progress while adapting treatment plans accordingly. Advises patients and their families on in-home treatment options and what to expect from the recovery process. May work with and/or consult with physicians, case managers, and other medical professionals. Requires a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Requires Certified Physical Therapist (CPT). Requires Licensed Physical Therapist (LPT). Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapist I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
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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