Physical therapist salary
BLS occupation: Physical Therapists · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $102,760 a year, US
Median hourly pay $49.40 an hour
Middle half earn $86,160–$121,160 25th to 75th percentile
Physical therapists employed 267,330 +11.9% projected by 2035
How much does a physical therapist make?
- The median physical therapist salary in the US is $102,760 a year ($49.40 an hour): half of the 267,330 physical therapists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $105,280.
- The middle half earn between $86,160 and $121,160. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $77,140 and the top 10% more than $135,140.
- That is 2.0 times the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- California pays physical therapists the most (median $124,190), followed by Alaska ($115,280) and New Jersey ($112,140). North Dakota pays the least ($85,330).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in New Mexico, where the median is worth $115,907 in typical US prices, then Mississippi and Arkansas. California's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.7 vs a US average of 100).
- In 366 of the 380 metro areas with data, the median physical therapist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of physical therapists to grow 11.9% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 13,400 openings a year. The typical entry education is a doctoral or professional degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what physical therapists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Physical therapist salary range
Half of physical therapists earn between $86,160 and $121,160 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $77,140
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $86,160
Median Yearly pay: $102,760
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $121,160
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $135,140
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $77,140 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $86,160 |
| Median | $102,760 |
| Top 25% earn over | $121,160 |
| Top 10% earn over | $135,140 |
Physical therapist salary by state
California pays physical therapists the most; North Dakota the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($102,760), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| California | $124,190 median |
| Alaska | $115,280 median |
| New Jersey | $112,140 median |
| Nevada | $111,250 median |
| Maryland | $106,890 median |
| New Mexico | $106,880 median |
| Washington | $105,950 median |
| Texas | $105,810 median |
| Illinois | $105,250 median |
| Connecticut | $104,360 median |
| Massachusetts | $103,790 median |
| Oregon | $103,510 median |
| Arizona | $103,220 median |
| Ohio | $103,050 median |
| Georgia | $102,700 median |
| Delaware | $102,050 median |
| Colorado | $102,030 median |
| Minnesota | $102,010 median |
| Wisconsin | $101,840 median |
| Hawaii | $101,700 median |
| District of Columbia | $101,640 median |
| Indiana | $101,560 median |
| Virginia | $101,450 median |
| Pennsylvania | $101,380 median |
| South Carolina | $101,330 median |
| Florida | $101,040 median |
| Michigan | $100,900 median |
| Kentucky | $100,710 median |
| New York | $100,660 median |
| Wyoming | $100,400 median |
| Tennessee | $100,140 median |
| Mississippi | $99,990 median |
| North Carolina | $99,910 median |
| Utah | $99,880 median |
| New Hampshire | $99,850 median |
| Maine | $99,720 median |
| Rhode Island | $99,400 median |
| Missouri | $99,310 median |
| Arkansas | $99,010 median |
| Idaho | $99,000 median |
| Oklahoma | $98,590 median |
| Louisiana | $98,530 median |
| Kansas | $98,290 median |
| Vermont | $97,970 median |
| Iowa | $97,560 median |
| Alabama | $97,290 median |
| Nebraska | $97,090 median |
| West Virginia | $96,600 median |
| South Dakota | $92,660 median |
| Montana | $91,450 median |
| North Dakota | $85,330 median |
Where physical therapist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Physical therapists' pay goes furthest in New Mexico once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $115,907 |
| Mississippi | $114,993 |
| Arkansas | $113,887 |
| Alaska | $112,623 |
| Oklahoma | $112,234 |
| California | $112,166 |
| Louisiana | $111,703 |
| Kentucky | $111,703 |
| Nevada | $111,273 |
| Iowa | $111,164 |
Physical therapist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $124,190 | $59.71 | $85,580 | $163,960 | 26,580 | $112,166 |
| Alaska | $115,280 | $55.42 | $97,950 | $133,690 | 680 | $112,623 |
| New Jersey | $112,140 | $53.91 | $84,640 | $140,040 | 9,750 | $103,065 |
| Nevada | $111,250 | $53.49 | $86,260 | $190,620 | 2,030 | $111,273 |
| Maryland | $106,890 | $51.39 | $79,990 | $138,630 | 3,940 | $101,840 |
| New Mexico | $106,880 | $51.38 | $77,260 | $146,400 | 1,330 | $115,907 |
| Washington | $105,950 | $50.94 | $78,300 | $137,560 | 5,370 | $99,007 |
| Texas | $105,810 | $50.87 | $76,600 | $139,050 | 21,870 | $109,018 |
| Illinois | $105,250 | $50.60 | $83,000 | $140,410 | 9,800 | $105,294 |
| Connecticut | $104,360 | $50.17 | $82,110 | $127,150 | 4,060 | $100,724 |
| Massachusetts | $103,790 | $49.90 | $82,760 | $130,220 | 6,850 | $98,140 |
| Oregon | $103,510 | $49.76 | $79,440 | $133,950 | 3,210 | $100,144 |
| Arizona | $103,220 | $49.63 | $81,560 | $134,050 | 5,170 | $102,526 |
| Ohio | $103,050 | $49.54 | $79,070 | $126,060 | 10,280 | $111,076 |
| Georgia | $102,700 | $49.38 | $78,580 | $130,630 | 6,780 | $106,654 |
| Delaware | $102,050 | $49.06 | $79,930 | $136,350 | 1,260 | $102,246 |
| Colorado | $102,030 | $49.05 | $76,460 | $132,010 | 5,630 | $99,008 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 | $49.04 | $83,570 | $121,340 | 5,180 | $103,436 |
| Wisconsin | $101,840 | $48.96 | $80,740 | $124,640 | 5,580 | $108,231 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 | $48.89 | $78,630 | $123,280 | 950 | $92,496 |
| District of Columbia | $101,640 | $48.87 | $85,620 | $129,470 | 610 | $92,483 |
| Indiana | $101,560 | $48.83 | $76,960 | $125,390 | 6,130 | $108,819 |
| Virginia | $101,450 | $48.77 | $75,720 | $132,860 | 7,630 | $100,342 |
| Pennsylvania | $101,380 | $48.74 | $76,960 | $127,060 | 11,710 | $103,903 |
| South Carolina | $101,330 | $48.72 | $72,810 | $123,480 | 3,930 | $108,086 |
| Florida | $101,040 | $48.58 | $73,630 | $122,880 | 16,290 | $97,704 |
| Michigan | $100,900 | $48.51 | $79,600 | $123,980 | 8,630 | $104,867 |
| Kentucky | $100,710 | $48.42 | $73,900 | $126,920 | 3,390 | $111,703 |
| New York | $100,660 | $48.39 | $73,580 | $136,120 | 20,940 | $93,272 |
| Wyoming | $100,400 | $48.27 | $75,900 | $125,930 | 560 | $108,317 |
| Tennessee | $100,140 | $48.14 | $67,280 | $127,500 | 4,800 | $109,002 |
| Mississippi | $99,990 | $48.07 | $73,700 | $121,740 | 1,980 | $114,993 |
| North Carolina | $99,910 | $48.03 | $78,020 | $125,940 | 7,350 | $105,920 |
| Utah | $99,880 | $48.02 | $66,160 | $136,970 | 2,300 | $101,028 |
| New Hampshire | $99,850 | $48.00 | $76,180 | $122,560 | 1,960 | $95,858 |
| Maine | $99,720 | $47.94 | $78,020 | $121,030 | 1,860 | $102,751 |
| Rhode Island | $99,400 | $47.79 | $80,770 | $125,390 | 1,020 | $97,184 |
| Missouri | $99,310 | $47.75 | $76,110 | $124,530 | 4,900 | $109,352 |
| Arkansas | $99,010 | $47.60 | $73,050 | $127,210 | 2,680 | $113,887 |
| Idaho | $99,000 | $47.60 | $74,570 | $122,100 | 1,030 | $103,671 |
| Oklahoma | $98,590 | $47.40 | $68,330 | $128,000 | 2,560 | $112,234 |
| Louisiana | $98,530 | $47.37 | $60,150 | $127,640 | 3,280 | $111,703 |
| Kansas | $98,290 | $47.25 | $72,290 | $122,130 | 2,660 | $109,129 |
| Vermont | $97,970 | $47.10 | $75,040 | $115,860 | 760 | $100,012 |
| Iowa | $97,560 | $46.90 | $73,780 | $120,730 | 2,530 | $111,164 |
| Alabama | $97,290 | $46.77 | $74,770 | $133,710 | 3,040 | $109,532 |
| Nebraska | $97,090 | $46.68 | $77,540 | $120,190 | 2,140 | $107,754 |
| West Virginia | $96,600 | $46.44 | $73,130 | $126,380 | 1,310 | $107,937 |
| South Dakota | $92,660 | $44.55 | $77,890 | $107,870 | 1,060 | $104,599 |
| Montana | $91,450 | $43.97 | $78,490 | $115,540 | 1,180 | $96,624 |
| North Dakota | $85,330 | $41.02 | $75,290 | $113,600 | 830 | $95,921 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Physical therapist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes physical therapist pay: 384 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Francisco, CA $141,980
- Vallejo, CA $141,530
- Santa Rosa, CA $140,100
- San Jose, CA $139,000
- Napa, CA $138,540
- Chico, CA $134,970
- Sacramento, CA $131,430
- Santa Maria, CA $128,680
- Hanford, CA $127,460
- Salinas, CA $127,120
Where the pay goes furthest
- Decatur, IL $142,046
- Enid, OK $134,320
- Las Cruces, NM $133,408
- Chico, CA $133,374
- Vallejo, CA $130,468
- Santa Rosa, CA $129,982
- Merced, CA $128,212
- Longview, TX $127,373
- Santa Fe, NM $126,429
- Beaumont, TX $126,269
All 384 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,980 | 3,140 | $122,806 | 29% |
| Vallejo, CA | $141,530 | 300 | $130,468 | 21% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $140,100 | 290 | $129,982 | 23% |
| San Jose, CA | $139,000 | 1,460 | $125,880 | 33% |
| Napa, CA | $138,540 | 50 | $123,088 | 25% |
| Chico, CA | $134,970 | 180 | $133,374 | 14% |
| Sacramento, CA | $131,430 | 1,610 | $123,212 | 21% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $128,680 | 310 | $118,274 | 31% |
| Hanford, CA | $127,460 | 40 | $125,438 | 18% |
| Salinas, CA | $127,120 | 190 | $116,579 | 26% |
| Modesto, CA | $126,600 | 400 | $121,604 | 20% |
| Merced, CA | $126,000 | 60 | $128,212 | 20% |
| Decatur, IL | $125,600 | 40 | $142,046 | 10% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $125,490 | 310 | $124,388 | 17% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $124,870 | 80 | $126,429 | 19% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $124,790 | 160 | $113,553 | 33% |
| Stockton, CA | $124,260 | 350 | $118,243 | 23% |
| Fresno, CA | $123,820 | 620 | $121,204 | 20% |
| Carson City, NV | $120,810 | 50 | $123,112 | 21% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $120,350 | 200 | $133,408 | 15% |
| Riverside, CA | $120,110 | 2,240 | $112,841 | 25% |
| Midland, TX | $118,450 | 130 | $123,665 | 16% |
| El Centro, CA | $116,950 | 70 | $122,880 | 19% |
| Oxnard, CA | $116,770 | 550 | $105,642 | 30% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $116,480 | 1,530 | $116,230 | 18% |
| Springfield, IL | $115,990 | 150 | $125,063 | 12% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $115,740 | 30 | $117,480 | 15% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $114,980 | 130 | $110,712 | 18% |
| Longview, TX | $113,980 | 190 | $127,373 | 12% |
| San Diego, CA | $113,850 | 2,680 | $101,754 | 31% |
| Beaumont, TX | $113,700 | 250 | $126,269 | 14% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $113,570 | 50 | $110,040 | 19% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $113,510 | 80 | $110,803 | 23% |
| Enid, OK | $113,190 | 30 | $134,320 | 12% |
| Anchorage, AK | $112,590 | 460 | $106,801 | 20% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $111,860 | 350 | $122,854 | 16% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $111,780 | 80 | $110,937 | 22% |
| Sherman, TX | $110,750 | 120 | $118,107 | 15% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $110,620 | 100 | $110,352 | – |
| Amarillo, TX | $109,800 | 190 | $119,582 | 14% |
| Dalton, GA | $109,710 | 50 | $122,112 | 15% |
| Odessa, TX | $109,690 | 60 | $116,821 | 17% |
| Albany, OR | $108,720 | 50 | $106,484 | 18% |
| Tyler, TX | $108,380 | 250 | $117,605 | 15% |
| Trenton, NJ | $108,280 | 360 | $104,943 | 28% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $108,170 | 9,750 | $95,249 | 32% |
| Florence, SC | $108,160 | 110 | $124,646 | 17% |
| Barnstable, MA | $108,110 | 190 | $109,923 | 29% |
| Redding, CA | $107,980 | 150 | $107,246 | 18% |
| Longview, WA | $107,810 | 40 | $110,523 | 16% |
| Dallas, TX | $107,780 | 6,100 | $104,549 | 18% |
| Houston, TX | $107,700 | 4,680 | $109,197 | 18% |
| New York, NY | $107,650 | 21,240 | $95,635 | 40% |
| Kennewick, WA | $107,350 | 190 | $107,265 | 19% |
| Salisbury, MD | $107,290 | 100 | $112,208 | 22% |
| Seattle, WA | $107,290 | 2,950 | $96,542 | 25% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $106,980 | 570 | $106,047 | 22% |
| Reno, NV | $106,840 | 360 | $105,768 | 23% |
| Gadsden, AL | $106,720 | 100 | $124,596 | 12% |
| Yuba City, CA | $106,600 | 70 | $102,271 | 23% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $106,550 | 60 | $108,991 | 18% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $106,450 | 120 | $121,349 | 19% |
| Portland, OR | $106,250 | 1,810 | $100,786 | 20% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $106,080 | 380 | $114,469 | 16% |
| Niles, MI | $106,020 | 80 | $114,778 | 16% |
| San Antonio, TX | $106,010 | 1,700 | $111,924 | 16% |
| Yakima, WA | $105,950 | 100 | $110,890 | 15% |
| Baltimore, MD | $105,810 | 2,050 | $101,266 | 22% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $105,790 | 6,250 | $103,155 | 22% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $105,750 | 110 | $111,192 | 20% |
| Chicago, IL | $105,720 | 7,880 | $102,051 | 25% |
| Texarkana, TX | $105,580 | 140 | $125,673 | 14% |
| Naples, FL | $105,440 | 300 | $102,171 | 30% |
| Vineland, NJ | $105,360 | 70 | $109,787 | 19% |
| Williamsport, PA | $105,340 | 140 | $114,066 | 12% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $105,240 | 380 | $105,001 | 26% |
| Hartford, CT | $105,230 | 1,370 | $102,418 | 23% |
| Visalia, CA | $105,210 | 230 | $105,394 | 20% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $105,160 | 1,030 | $98,405 | 33% |
| Columbus, OH | $105,130 | 2,030 | $110,120 | 17% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $105,050 | 40 | $117,712 | 15% |
| Springfield, OH | $104,870 | 70 | $115,902 | 14% |
| Olympia, WA | $104,750 | 180 | $101,042 | 23% |
| Toledo, OH | $104,750 | 560 | $114,537 | 14% |
| College Station, TX | $104,580 | 190 | $114,985 | 17% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $104,500 | 430 | $114,391 | 18% |
| Macon, GA | $104,500 | 130 | $118,042 | 14% |
| Allentown, PA | $104,350 | 780 | $104,383 | 21% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $104,280 | 80 | $115,135 | 15% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $104,110 | 130 | $110,739 | 15% |
| Cleveland, OH | $104,030 | 2,000 | $110,761 | 17% |
| North Port, FL | $104,020 | 680 | $101,565 | 24% |
| Jackson, MI | $104,000 | 90 | $113,316 | 14% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $104,000 | 170 | $105,847 | 22% |
| McAllen, TX | $103,980 | 590 | $121,055 | 13% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $103,920 | 100 | $114,777 | 13% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $103,890 | 40 | $108,923 | 16% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $103,840 | 1,040 | $102,946 | 19% |
| Brownsville, TX | $103,810 | 280 | $120,744 | 17% |
| Worcester, MA | $103,790 | 750 | $101,236 | 24% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $103,770 | 2,790 | $108,437 | 18% |
| Charleston, WV | $103,760 | 140 | $116,956 | 14% |
| Saginaw, MI | $103,760 | 130 | $114,159 | 12% |
| Rome, GA | $103,710 | 130 | $115,028 | 15% |
| Austin, TX | $103,630 | 2,470 | $105,674 | 19% |
| Springfield, MA | $103,570 | 390 | $107,817 | 23% |
| Boston, MA | $103,550 | 5,330 | $95,644 | 35% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $103,510 | 690 | $108,335 | 17% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $103,510 | 170 | $110,745 | 20% |
| Atlanta, GA | $103,440 | 4,250 | $103,380 | 21% |
| Eugene, OR | $103,440 | 310 | $101,843 | 21% |
| Alexandria, LA | $103,380 | 160 | $120,650 | 12% |
| Nashville, TN | $103,380 | 1,400 | $107,310 | 21% |
| Dayton, OH | $103,330 | 780 | $111,474 | 15% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $103,330 | 110 | $109,811 | 18% |
| Brunswick, GA | $103,260 | 100 | $117,732 | 19% |
| Lancaster, PA | $103,240 | 430 | $105,071 | 18% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $103,220 | 3,760 | $99,907 | 20% |
| San Angelo, TX | $103,070 | 110 | $111,484 | 15% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $103,030 | 1,710 | $106,286 | 18% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $103,030 | 80 | $117,064 | 15% |
| Jackson, MS | $103,000 | 520 | $115,668 | 17% |
| New Haven, CT | $103,000 | 610 | $98,509 | 24% |
| Washington, DC | $102,980 | 4,540 | $94,578 | 28% |
| Detroit, MI | $102,970 | 3,770 | $102,664 | 18% |
| Manchester, NH | $102,960 | 490 | $97,447 | 25% |
| Reading, PA | $102,950 | 300 | $106,068 | 18% |
| Abilene, TX | $102,920 | 180 | $113,895 | 23% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $102,890 | 2,090 | $107,885 | 18% |
| Norwich, CT | $102,880 | 290 | $102,424 | 24% |
| Staunton, VA | $102,840 | 100 | $112,852 | 17% |
| Portland, ME | $102,820 | 880 | $100,944 | 27% |
| Madison, WI | $102,810 | 900 | $105,677 | 21% |
| Bloomington, IN | $102,750 | 130 | $108,062 | 20% |
| Akron, OH | $102,700 | 620 | $109,993 | 15% |
| Richmond, VA | $102,700 | 1,300 | $104,948 | 20% |
| Winchester, VA | $102,670 | 220 | $106,449 | 21% |
| Waterbury, CT | $102,590 | 480 | $102,818 | – |
| Victoria, TX | $102,520 | 140 | $114,115 | 14% |
| Monroe, MI | $102,510 | 50 | $109,646 | 15% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $102,480 | 240 | $109,438 | 20% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $102,450 | 160 | $114,645 | 15% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $102,450 | 3,360 | $97,737 | 20% |
| Boulder, CO | $102,430 | 480 | $97,365 | 26% |
| Tampa, FL | $102,430 | 2,350 | $101,526 | 23% |
| Tucson, AZ | $102,420 | 660 | $105,701 | 17% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $102,400 | 260 | $103,282 | 24% |
| Denver, CO | $102,340 | 2,730 | $96,746 | 22% |
| Louisville, KY | $102,260 | 1,140 | $109,870 | 16% |
| Sandusky, OH | $102,210 | 50 | $114,481 | 21% |
| El Paso, TX | $102,190 | 550 | $113,656 | 18% |
| York, PA | $102,170 | 270 | $106,427 | 16% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $102,160 | 150 | $107,001 | 20% |
| Lebanon, PA | $102,020 | 70 | $109,447 | 17% |
| Slidell, LA | $101,980 | 230 | $109,980 | – |
| Hickory, NC | $101,950 | 160 | $115,216 | 19% |
| Appleton, WI | $101,920 | 180 | $110,280 | 14% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $101,870 | 630 | $99,532 | 22% |
| Gulfport, MS | $101,870 | 310 | $113,181 | 17% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $101,860 | 190 | $93,797 | 33% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $101,760 | 100 | $105,461 | 18% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $101,750 | 120 | $109,751 | 20% |
| Muncie, IN | $101,710 | 80 | $115,385 | 12% |
| Honolulu, HI | $101,700 | 680 | $91,654 | 36% |
| Kahului, HI | $101,650 | 110 | $92,922 | 38% |
| Traverse City, MI | $101,640 | 240 | $108,855 | 22% |
| Athens, GA | $101,570 | 150 | $108,814 | 21% |
| Charleston, SC | $101,550 | 690 | $100,582 | 24% |
| Orlando, FL | $101,530 | 1,560 | $100,110 | 23% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $101,430 | 290 | $102,603 | 24% |
| Rockford, IL | $101,340 | 190 | $109,968 | 15% |
| Lubbock, TX | $101,310 | 360 | $110,943 | 16% |
| Ithaca, NY | $101,290 | 110 | $98,038 | 24% |
| Kansas City, MO | $101,270 | 2,010 | $109,430 | 18% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $101,270 | 510 | $110,025 | 18% |
| Mankato, MN | $101,260 | 100 | $111,330 | 15% |
| Burlington, NC | $101,120 | 100 | $108,503 | 16% |
| Charlotte, NC | $101,060 | 1,680 | $103,813 | 21% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $101,030 | 160 | $100,502 | 22% |
| Greenville, SC | $101,020 | 940 | $108,321 | 19% |
| Savannah, GA | $100,920 | 210 | $106,002 | 21% |
| Wheeling, WV | $100,920 | 120 | $114,262 | 10% |
| Elkhart, IN | $100,890 | 80 | $111,697 | 14% |
| Sebastian, FL | $100,890 | 160 | $102,626 | 25% |
| Miami, FL | $100,870 | 4,950 | $88,362 | 32% |
| Tulsa, OK | $100,840 | 710 | $113,032 | 16% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $100,840 | 1,470 | $102,960 | 22% |
| Janesville, WI | $100,830 | 150 | $107,606 | 15% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $100,820 | 110 | $106,247 | 20% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $100,690 | 140 | $100,364 | 25% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $100,620 | 180 | $106,848 | 19% |
| St. Louis, MO | $100,600 | 2,480 | $105,797 | 17% |
| New Orleans, LA | $100,530 | 710 | $108,567 | 19% |
| Sumter, SC | $100,520 | 50 | $114,201 | 18% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $100,420 | 100 | $116,662 | 12% |
| Waco, TX | $100,390 | 250 | $108,471 | 17% |
| Sioux City, IA | $100,380 | 100 | $116,108 | 15% |
| Lafayette, IN | $100,310 | 180 | $107,364 | 18% |
| Providence, RI | $100,290 | 1,440 | $98,543 | 26% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $100,260 | 110 | $105,936 | 16% |
| Durham, NC | $100,240 | 790 | $102,734 | 20% |
| Shreveport, LA | $100,230 | 280 | $118,243 | 15% |
| Greeley, CO | $100,170 | 140 | $99,994 | 20% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $100,160 | 640 | $101,531 | 18% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $100,150 | 1,330 | $100,669 | 20% |
| Joplin, MO | $100,150 | 130 | $116,837 | 15% |
| Rochester, MN | $100,140 | 410 | $110,261 | 19% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $100,130 | 60 | $109,261 | 14% |
| Boise, ID | $100,120 | 400 | $101,757 | 23% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $100,120 | 220 | $108,852 | 17% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $100,050 | 120 | $107,663 | 15% |
| Crestview, FL | $100,040 | 180 | $103,101 | 24% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $100,010 | 190 | $116,459 | 15% |
| Memphis, TN | $100,000 | 800 | $108,485 | 17% |
| Canton, OH | $99,980 | 360 | $111,827 | 14% |
| Salem, OR | $99,970 | 320 | $96,451 | 20% |
| Little Rock, AR | $99,940 | 1,040 | $111,835 | 15% |
| Wausau, WI | $99,910 | 90 | $107,835 | 12% |
| Raleigh, NC | $99,900 | 1,190 | $101,776 | 20% |
| Green Bay, WI | $99,850 | 340 | $107,266 | 13% |
| Columbia, SC | $99,840 | 670 | $106,596 | 19% |
| Dubuque, IA | $99,840 | 110 | $114,328 | 13% |
| Bend, OR | $99,800 | 320 | $96,326 | 27% |
| Lincoln, NE | $99,780 | 390 | $108,953 | 15% |
| Kankakee, IL | $99,770 | 60 | $103,502 | 16% |
| Huntsville, AL | $99,760 | 320 | $107,186 | 17% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $99,730 | 1,120 | $110,311 | 17% |
| Racine, WI | $99,710 | 160 | $103,907 | 18% |
| Spokane, WA | $99,690 | 580 | $99,346 | 18% |
| Binghamton, NY | $99,670 | 240 | $107,330 | 19% |
| Omaha, NE | $99,630 | 1,120 | $108,398 | 17% |
| Lawrence, KS | $99,620 | 110 | $110,391 | 19% |
| The Villages, FL | $99,610 | 80 | $116,607 | 21% |
| Scranton, PA | $99,520 | 500 | $106,375 | 16% |
| Deltona, FL | $99,500 | 440 | $100,134 | 21% |
| Asheville, NC | $99,480 | 300 | $103,082 | 21% |
| Davenport, IA | $99,410 | 280 | $111,598 | 12% |
| St. George, UT | $99,340 | 170 | $102,075 | 22% |
| Paducah, KY | $99,330 | 80 | $115,387 | 14% |
| Greensboro, NC | $99,320 | 540 | $106,951 | 17% |
| Lansing, MI | $99,310 | 310 | $104,547 | 16% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $99,310 | 90 | $114,966 | 12% |
| Pueblo, CO | $99,250 | 130 | $108,160 | 16% |
| Burlington, VT | $99,230 | 340 | $98,297 | 31% |
| Ogden, UT | $99,170 | 440 | $98,825 | 20% |
| Kenosha, WI | $99,160 | 190 | $98,064 | – |
| Chattanooga, TN | $99,120 | 520 | $108,371 | 18% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $99,100 | 1,460 | $103,720 | 20% |
| Laredo, TX | $99,000 | 160 | $113,851 | 14% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $98,990 | 450 | $98,985 | 23% |
| State College, PA | $98,970 | 130 | $102,282 | 24% |
| Hammond, LA | $98,930 | 130 | $117,132 | 16% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $98,920 | 590 | $108,967 | 17% |
| Casper, WY | $98,880 | 100 | $105,383 | 17% |
| Corvallis, OR | $98,870 | 80 | $95,052 | 22% |
| Peoria, IL | $98,860 | 300 | $108,362 | 14% |
| Yuma, AZ | $98,790 | 120 | $106,563 | 17% |
| Roanoke, VA | $98,770 | 270 | $105,503 | 17% |
| Wilmington, NC | $98,770 | 460 | $102,435 | 21% |
| Lakeland, FL | $98,740 | 360 | $101,646 | 22% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $98,730 | 160 | $114,952 | 13% |
| Gainesville, FL | $98,700 | 430 | $102,033 | 20% |
| Kingsport, TN | $98,690 | 230 | $114,162 | 16% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $98,660 | 180 | $112,584 | 15% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $98,610 | 170 | $106,265 | 14% |
| Lawton, OK | $98,590 | 60 | $114,718 | 14% |
| Anniston, AL | $98,520 | 50 | $114,626 | 12% |
| Medford, OR | $98,500 | 160 | $97,108 | 23% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $98,450 | 450 | $106,350 | 15% |
| Michigan City, IN | $98,420 | 50 | $107,349 | 15% |
| Sebring, FL | $98,370 | 60 | $106,380 | 19% |
| Kokomo, IN | $98,350 | 60 | $109,707 | 13% |
| Pensacola, FL | $98,340 | 400 | $100,638 | 21% |
| Columbus, GA | $98,300 | 200 | $110,083 | 17% |
| Lewiston, ME | $98,300 | 130 | $103,762 | 19% |
| South Bend, IN | $98,270 | 200 | $105,828 | 15% |
| Dover, DE | $98,260 | 180 | $100,772 | 22% |
| Farmington, NM | $98,260 | 60 | $112,032 | 17% |
| Huntington, WV | $98,220 | 300 | $111,081 | 13% |
| Albany, GA | $98,190 | 60 | $112,001 | 13% |
| Killeen, TX | $98,120 | 370 | $107,668 | 16% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $98,070 | 90 | $111,475 | 12% |
| Greenville, NC | $98,020 | 190 | $110,880 | 18% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $97,920 | 190 | $103,248 | 16% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $97,900 | 790 | $97,213 | 22% |
| Lima, OH | $97,880 | 110 | $109,157 | 15% |
| Johnstown, PA | $97,870 | 130 | $113,896 | 11% |
| Champaign, IL | $97,840 | 140 | $105,540 | 17% |
| Logan, UT | $97,830 | 90 | $101,984 | 18% |
| Clarksville, TN | $97,810 | 130 | $107,546 | 16% |
| Des Moines, IA | $97,790 | 740 | $106,640 | 16% |
| Birmingham, AL | $97,750 | 1,030 | $106,663 | 17% |
| Bremerton, WA | $97,750 | 210 | $92,560 | 25% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $97,750 | 2,120 | $103,252 | 18% |
| Altoona, PA | $97,710 | 150 | $109,165 | 12% |
| Muskegon, MI | $97,710 | 120 | $105,611 | 16% |
| Decatur, AL | $97,600 | 50 | $111,911 | 13% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $97,580 | 140 | $111,351 | 16% |
| Topeka, KS | $97,570 | 190 | $109,851 | 15% |
| La Crosse, WI | $97,550 | 200 | $106,300 | 17% |
| Bozeman, MT | $97,400 | 150 | $95,015 | 27% |
| Wichita, KS | $97,400 | 580 | $109,505 | 15% |
| Springfield, MO | $97,270 | 410 | $109,804 | 15% |
| Augusta, GA | $97,260 | 330 | $105,829 | 18% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $97,260 | 90 | $113,449 | 15% |
| Bloomington, IL | $97,250 | 100 | $103,970 | 16% |
| Youngstown, OH | $97,210 | 350 | $111,232 | 13% |
| Waterloo, IA | $97,180 | 120 | $111,628 | 13% |
| Morristown, TN | $97,150 | 80 | $112,489 | 19% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $97,110 | 640 | $88,748 | 28% |
| Manhattan, KS | $97,110 | 90 | $107,706 | 16% |
| Valdosta, GA | $97,050 | 70 | $109,946 | 16% |
| Billings, MT | $97,020 | 230 | $103,736 | 17% |
| Provo, UT | $96,960 | 410 | $98,705 | 22% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $96,940 | 130 | $98,901 | 24% |
| Evansville, IN | $96,820 | 340 | $105,782 | 14% |
| Duluth, MN | $96,690 | 270 | $108,924 | 16% |
| Johnson City, TN | $96,660 | 180 | $109,931 | 18% |
| Jackson, TN | $96,610 | 140 | $112,965 | 17% |
| Bellingham, WA | $96,450 | 160 | $93,338 | 24% |
| Columbus, IN | $96,400 | 90 | $103,653 | 17% |
| Montgomery, AL | $96,360 | 170 | $107,446 | 17% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $96,180 | 250 | $102,407 | 18% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $96,170 | 100 | $101,375 | 18% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $96,170 | 90 | $110,456 | 13% |
| Monroe, LA | $96,140 | 170 | $115,004 | 15% |
| Knoxville, TN | $96,110 | 590 | $103,825 | 22% |
| Morgantown, WV | $96,010 | 210 | $102,879 | 17% |
| Beckley, WV | $95,970 | 80 | $108,601 | 13% |
| Flint, MI | $95,960 | 260 | $103,145 | 13% |
| Buffalo, NY | $95,800 | 1,410 | $99,954 | 18% |
| Mansfield, OH | $95,560 | 60 | $107,525 | 11% |
| Dothan, AL | $95,460 | 120 | $113,869 | 15% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $95,310 | 120 | $96,965 | 23% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $95,190 | 80 | $103,372 | 20% |
| Erie, PA | $94,830 | 240 | $104,266 | 14% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $94,760 | 80 | $107,931 | 12% |
| Lexington, KY | $94,710 | 590 | $101,960 | 20% |
| Weirton, WV | $94,550 | 90 | $106,207 | 10% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $94,520 | 220 | $106,246 | 16% |
| Bangor, ME | $94,510 | 220 | $97,930 | 19% |
| Iowa City, IA | $94,480 | 180 | $103,247 | 22% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $94,400 | 100 | $106,865 | 24% |
| Mobile, AL | $94,280 | 240 | $107,017 | 16% |
| Ocala, FL | $94,130 | 240 | $98,841 | 20% |
| Daphne, AL | $94,120 | 90 | $99,398 | 22% |
| Rapid City, SD | $94,120 | 190 | $105,563 | 19% |
| Albany, NY | $94,020 | 790 | $94,430 | 22% |
| Bay City, MI | $93,450 | 120 | $101,663 | 13% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $93,250 | 190 | $104,175 | 17% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $93,090 | 60 | $101,066 | 20% |
| Panama City, FL | $92,690 | 160 | $95,266 | 22% |
| Midland, MI | $92,620 | 90 | $100,760 | 18% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $92,110 | 90 | $97,562 | 19% |
| Syracuse, NY | $92,080 | 700 | $96,175 | 21% |
| Gainesville, GA | $92,030 | 90 | $95,106 | 22% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $91,590 | 220 | $101,565 | 16% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $91,470 | 460 | $100,926 | 17% |
| Kingston, NY | $91,460 | 90 | $90,816 | 26% |
| Ames, IA | $90,610 | 70 | $102,004 | 15% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $89,210 | 50 | $100,846 | 20% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $88,900 | 140 | $103,550 | 18% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $88,670 | 100 | $102,316 | 15% |
| Watertown, NY | $87,200 | 90 | $99,441 | 21% |
| Grand Island, NE | $87,080 | 90 | $100,488 | 18% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $86,840 | – | $85,871 | 27% |
| Elmira, NY | $86,680 | 60 | $91,824 | 16% |
| Auburn, AL | $86,120 | 110 | $97,938 | 22% |
| Utica, NY | $85,930 | 250 | $92,719 | 20% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $85,590 | 90 | $91,258 | 21% |
| Fargo, ND | $85,330 | 350 | $93,902 | 16% |
| Florence, AL | $84,750 | 70 | $99,921 | 15% |
| Helena, MT | $84,390 | 100 | $88,205 | 23% |
| Lafayette, LA | $84,340 | 290 | $96,710 | 20% |
| Missoula, MT | $83,970 | 210 | $87,065 | 23% |
| Columbia, MO | $83,320 | 280 | $93,160 | 21% |
| Bismarck, ND | $83,280 | 200 | $91,492 | 19% |
| Owensboro, KY | $83,270 | 90 | $93,974 | 18% |
| Rochester, NY | $83,070 | 1,140 | $85,608 | 22% |
| Pocatello, ID | $82,680 | 60 | $92,997 | 16% |
| Great Falls, MT | $81,960 | 70 | $84,630 | 21% |
| Cleveland, TN | $79,230 | 80 | $89,952 | 21% |
| Houma, LA | $78,320 | 180 | $92,030 | 20% |
| Minot, ND | $78,180 | 40 | $89,833 | 19% |
What the median physical therapist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $102,760 |
| Month | $8,563 |
| Every two weeks | $3,952 |
| Week | $1,976 |
| Hour | $49.40 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a physical therapist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +11.9% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 13,400 |
| Self-employed | 4.2% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| CRNA | $236,590 | Master's degree |
Questions about physical therapist pay
How much does a physical therapist make an hour?
The median is $49.40 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $37.09 and the top 10% over $64.97.
How much does a physical therapist make a month?
About $8,563 a month before taxes at the median salary of $102,760, or $3,952 every two weeks.
What state pays physical therapists the most?
California, with a median of $124,190. Alaska ($115,280), New Jersey ($112,140), Nevada ($111,250) and Maryland ($106,890) follow.
Where do physical therapists make the most after cost of living?
New Mexico: its median of $106,880 is worth $115,907 at typical US prices. Mississippi, Arkansas and Alaska come next.
How much do entry-level physical therapists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of physical therapists earn under $77,140 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $86,160, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a physical therapist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a doctoral or professional degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-1123 (Physical Therapists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.