As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Physical Therapist in the United States is $71,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, an Entry Level Physical Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Physical Therapist'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.
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 Entry Level Physical Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Computer Science
|
$82,893 |
16%
|
|
Billing
|
$80,035 |
12%
|
|
Commitment
|
$74,318 |
4%
|
|
Radiology
|
$74,318 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$72,889 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$72,889 |
2%
|
For Entry Level Physical Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Entry Level Physical Therapist positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Entry Level Physical Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | $78,606 | $38.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Physical Therapists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Level Physical Therapist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $71,905 and $81,263).
Entry Level Physical Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 46.2% |
| High School | 53.8% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 46.2% |
| Doctorate | 53.8% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Physical Therapist'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, 2026Salaries for an Entry Level Physical Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,129 in 2023 to around $55,181 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Physical Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $57,129 |
| 2024 | $56,399 |
| 2025 | $55,181 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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