How Much Do Physical Therapists Make?
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Physical therapists are in demand and earn an average annual salary of over $90,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 15% job growth for physical therapists from 2022-32 — three times higher than the average growth rate for all occupations
To enter this fast-growing field, you need a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree. Learn more about how much physical therapists make and how to increase earning potential in this guide.
How Much Do Physical Therapists Make?
According to BLS data, physical therapists earned a median salary of $99,710 per year.
Payscale data from July 2024 offers insights into how much physical therapists make on average as their careers progress:
- Entry level: $71,140
- Midcareer: $82,930
- Experienced: $88,860
- Late career: $92,930
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Where Can You Make the Most Money as a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapist salaries vary according to experience, location, employment setting, and additional certifications. The following sections use BLS data to profile top-paying states and industries for physical therapists.
Highest-Paying States for Physical Therapists
Location-specific factors such as the cost of living and local demand can significantly influence physical therapist salaries. These were the five top-paying locations for physical therapists in May 2023:
| State | Average Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| California | $114,270 |
| Nevada | $111,460 |
| Alaska | $110,830 |
| New Jersey | $109,280 |
| Texas | $106,960 |
Highest-Paying Industries for Physical Therapists
Physical therapists typically work within the healthcare system. However, some businesses employ them internally, and physical therapists can also open their own private practices.
These five employment settings paid the highest average annual wages as of May 2023:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $123,900 |
| Home Healthcare Services | $116,500 |
| Educational Support Services | $112,270 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $111,950 |
| Individual and Family Services | $108,950 |
How Can You Increase Your Salary as a Physical Therapist?
- Work in a High-Paying Location: If you have the mobility, relocating to a top-paying location offers a direct route to higher pay. However, it’s important to consider the cost of living. A job in another state may pay more, but also have higher living costs.
- Choose a Higher-Paying Employment Setting: According to the BLS, physical therapists who work for outpatient facilities and home healthcare providers tend to earn the most. As you build up a strong reputation and client base, you can also open your own private practice.
- Go Where Demand is High: Supply-and-demand economics have a strong impact on salaries. Job growth projections are a strong indicator of current and future demand. Choosing a destination with above-average job growth could have a beneficial impact on your earning power.
- Offer Telehealth Services: Videoconferencing technologies offer an entirely new service model for physical therapists to connect with patients remotely. This service can be offered within the hospital, for a remote company, or as a proponent of a private practice.With a DPT degree and licensure, you can offer telehealth sessions to supplement your primary income. However, it’s important to keep in mind that reimbursement for telehealth is typically less than in-person visits if going through insurance.
- Seek Positions with Additional Compensation: Some employers offer only a fixed annual salary, while others offer premiums for overtime and additional compensation like bonuses, retirement account contributions, and stock options. Consider the entirety of your compensation package, not just your base salary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapist Salary
According to BLS data from May 2023, the highest-paid physical therapists earn $130,870 per year. Late-career physical therapists or those in managerial or owner positions typically earn higher salaries than less experienced, non-managerial professionals in the field.
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