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Physical Therapist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Physical Therapist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapist I in the United States is $91,008 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,040
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,628 to $103,064
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,178
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Physical Therapist I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Physical Therapist I Salaries?

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:

  • Physical Therapist I (0-2 years): $91,008
  • Physical Therapist II (2-4 years): $106,115
  • Physical Therapist III (4-7 years): $122,469
  • Physical Therapy Supervisor (7+ years): $107,131
  • Physical Therapy Manager (7+ years): $114,558
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Physical Therapist I0-2 years$91,008
Physical Therapist II2-4 years$106,115
Physical Therapist III4-7 years$122,469
Physical Therapy Supervisor7+ years$107,131
Physical Therapy Manager7+ years$114,558
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How Do Physical Therapist I 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 Physical Therapist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $100,764.
  • California: $100,382.
  • Massachusetts: $99,044.

Top Paying Cities for Physical Therapist Is

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: $114,788
  • San Francisco: $113,532
  • Oakland: $111,139

What Skills Can Increase a Physical Therapist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.94% 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.
  • Billing (Mentioned in 2.35% Job Postings): Billing refers to the aspect of banking, whereby someone is charged accurately for what item they purchased.
  • Case Management (Mentioned in 1.74% Job Postings): Connecting patients with suitable healthcare providers, resources, and services to ensure they receive optimal, cost-effective care.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.94%
Billing 2.35%
Case Management 1.74%
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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 Physical Therapist I's salary.

  • Clinical Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Assessment And Evaluation: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Leadership $106,479
17%
Assessment And Evaluation $104,659
15%
Collaboration $104,659
15%
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Physical Therapist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $97,091. While startup companies pay approximate $82,550.

Physical Therapist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $82,550
Growth Stage 51~500 $87,203
Established 501~5000 $93,858
Enterprise 5000+ $97,091

Physical Therapist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a Physical Therapist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$104,659$50.015%

Physical Therapist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$80,628
Average $91,008/year
$103,064
$6,719
Average $7,584/month
$8,589
$1,551
Average $1,750/week
$1,982
$39
Average $44/hour
$50
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $103,064 $8,589 $1,982 $50
Average $91,008 $7,584 $1,750 $44
25th Percentile $80,628 $6,719 $1,551 $39

Physical Therapist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Physical Therapist I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $59,745 -34%
Exercise Specialist $50,749 -44%
Physical Therapist II $106,115 17%

Most common benefits for Physical Therapist I

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

Common company salaries for Physical Therapist I

Here are companies hiring for Physical Therapist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Physical Therapist I

1. Where can a Physical Therapist I earn the most?

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 $114,788.

2. What is the highest pay for Physical Therapist I?

The highest pay for Physical Therapist I is $114,040.

3. What is the lowest pay for Physical Therapist I?

The lowest pay for Physical Therapist I is $71,178.

4. What are the responsibilities of Physical Therapist I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Physical Therapist I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapist I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

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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