{"id":1429,"date":"2026-07-06T12:43:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T12:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/?p=1429"},"modified":"2026-07-06T12:43:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T12:43:55","slug":"how-much-does-a-physical-therapist-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/how-much-does-a-physical-therapist-make\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make? Salary Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>How much do physical therapists make, and is it worth pursuing this career?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It&#8217;s one of the first questions aspiring physical therapists and experienced clinicians ask when planning their next career move. The good news is that physical therapy offers competitive salaries, strong job security, and growing demand across the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your earning potential depends on several factors, including your state, years of experience, specialty, and work setting. Whether you work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, home health agency, travel assignment, or explore <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/job-list\"><b>locum tenens job opportunities<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and other flexible healthcare roles, your salary can vary significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In this guide, we&#8217;ll break down the average physical therapist salary in 2026, compare salaries by state, experience, and work setting, and share the factors that can help you maximize your earning potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1><b>Average Physical Therapist Salary in 2026<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical therapy is one of the highest-paying allied healthcare careers. According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/physical-therapists.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, physical therapists earned a median annual salary of $101,020 ($48.57 per hour) in 2024.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The profession is also projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, making it a strong career choice with excellent long-term demand and earning potential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Physical Therapist Salary at a Glance<\/b><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Salary Type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Median Earnings (BLS, 2024)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Annual Salary<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$101,020<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hourly Wage<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$48.57<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Actual earnings may vary based on your state, years of experience, specialty, certifications, and work setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Average vs. Median Salary<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When researching salaries, you&#8217;ll often see both average and median pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Median salary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the midpoint, meaning half of physical therapists earn more and half earn less. It&#8217;s generally the most reliable measure of typical earnings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Average salary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is calculated by adding all salaries together and dividing by the total number of professionals. It can be influenced by very high or very low salaries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median wages, this guide uses those figures as the primary benchmark for salary comparisons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Does a Physical Therapist&#8217;s Compensation Package Include?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salary is only one part of your overall compensation. Many employers also provide valuable benefits that can significantly increase the value of a job offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common benefits include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Health, dental, and vision insurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Retirement savings plans with employer matching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paid vacation and holidays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Continuing education reimbursement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Professional license renewal assistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Student loan repayment programs (offered by some employers)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Performance bonuses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Flexible work schedules<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When comparing job offers, consider the entire compensation package instead of focusing only on annual salary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Physical Therapist Salary by State<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Where you work can have a big impact on how much you earn as a physical therapist. Two therapists with the same experience may earn different salaries simply because they work in different states.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several factors affect physical therapist salaries, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cost of living<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Demand for physical therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Number of healthcare facilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Insurance reimbursement rates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Local workforce shortages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">States with a high demand for healthcare professionals often offer higher salaries to attract qualified physical therapists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Highest-Paying States for Physical Therapists<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The table below shows some of the highest-paying states for physical therapists.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>State<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estimated Average Annual Salary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">California<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$118,000\u2013$130,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nevada<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$115,000\u2013$125,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Alaska<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$112,000\u2013$123,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Jersey<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$110,000\u2013$121,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Texas<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$108,000\u2013$118,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Washington<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$107,000\u2013$117,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Massachusetts<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$106,000\u2013$116,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connecticut<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$105,000\u2013$115,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oregon<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$104,000\u2013$114,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Colorado<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$103,000\u2013$113,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Higher salaries in these states are often linked to greater demand for rehabilitation services, larger healthcare systems, or a higher cost of living.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Look Beyond the Salary<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A higher salary doesn&#8217;t always mean you&#8217;ll take home more money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, California offers some of the highest physical therapist salaries in the U.S. However, the cost of housing, transportation, and daily expenses is also much higher.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, states like Texas may offer slightly lower salaries but have a lower cost of living and no state income tax. This means your paycheck may go further.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When comparing job offers, consider both your salary and the cost of living in that area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>States with Growing Demand<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some states may not offer the highest salaries today, but they have a growing need for physical therapists. As demand increases, more job openings and higher pay may follow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">States with strong job growth include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Florida<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">North Carolina<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arizona<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tennessee<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Utah<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">South Carolina<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In these states, employers may also offer incentives such as signing bonuses, relocation assistance, or tuition reimbursement to attract qualified physical therapists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re ready to take the next step in your career, explore the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/physical-therapist\"><b>latest physical therapist jobs in the U.S.<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From travel assignments to contract and locum tenens opportunities, you can find flexible roles that match your skills, experience, and career goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Physical Therapist Salary by Experience<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your salary usually increases as you gain experience. Over time, you&#8217;ll build stronger clinical skills, treat more complex cases, and may earn certifications that qualify you for higher-paying roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here&#8217;s a general look at how physical therapist salaries can grow throughout a career.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Experience Level<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estimated Annual Salary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Entry-Level (0\u20132 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$75,000\u2013$90,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Early Career (3\u20135 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$90,000\u2013$100,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mid-Career (6\u201310 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$100,000\u2013$112,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experienced (10\u201320 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$112,000\u2013$125,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Senior &amp; Leadership Roles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$125,000\u2013$145,000+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your actual salary may also vary based on your location, employer, specialty, and certifications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary (0\u20132 Years)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most new graduates earn between $75,000 and $90,000 per year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the first few years, you&#8217;ll focus on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Building hands-on clinical skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Learning documentation and treatment plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Managing different patient cases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Working with experienced therapists<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many employers also offer mentoring and continuing education to help new physical therapists grow in their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Early-Career Physical Therapist Salary (3\u20135 Years)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With a few years of experience, many physical therapists earn $90,000 to $100,000 per year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At this stage, you may:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treat patients more independently<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Handle more complex cases<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mentor new team members<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Improve treatment outcomes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some employers may also offer performance bonuses or other incentives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Mid-Career Physical Therapist Salary (6\u201310 Years)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical therapists with six to ten years of experience often earn between $100,000 and $112,000 annually.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many choose to specialize in areas such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Orthopedic Physical Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sports Physical Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Neurological Rehabilitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pediatric Physical Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Geriatric Physical Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pelvic Health Physical Therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Specializing in a high-demand area can increase your earning potential. Many therapists also move into supervisory or leadership roles, which often come with higher salaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Experienced and Senior Physical Therapist Salary (10+ Years)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experienced physical therapists can earn $112,000 to $145,000 or more, especially if they hold leadership positions or work in high-paying settings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Higher-paying opportunities often include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Clinical Manager<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rehabilitation Director<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Home Health Physical Therapist<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Travel Physical Therapist<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Private Practice Owner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At this stage, advanced certifications, leadership experience, and specialized skills can have a significant impact on your salary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Physical Therapist Salary by Work Setting<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your work setting can make a big difference in how much you earn as a physical therapist. While every PT needs the same education and license, salaries vary based on patient demand, employer type, and job responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>PT Salary Comparison\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your work setting plays a big role in how much you earn as a physical therapist. Pay varies based on the type of employer, patient demand, and job responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Work Setting<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What You&#8217;ll Do<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estimated Annual Salary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Home Health<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide rehabilitation services in patients&#8217; homes after surgery, illness, or injury.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$105,000\u2013$125,000+<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Hospitals<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treat patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, and serious medical conditions.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$95,000\u2013$115,000<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Outpatient Clinics<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help patients recover from sports injuries, orthopedic conditions, and chronic pain.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$90,000\u2013$110,000<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Skilled Nursing Facilities<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work with older adults and patients recovering from major illnesses or surgeries.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$98,000\u2013$118,000<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Schools<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Help children improve mobility, balance, and motor skills in educational settings.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$80,000\u2013$100,000<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Private Practice<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Treat patients in a private clinic or run your own practice.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$95,000\u2013$150,000+<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Travel Physical Therapy<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take short-term assignments in high-demand locations across the U.S.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>$110,000\u2013$150,000+<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Note:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Salaries are estimates and may vary based on your location, experience, employer, and patient demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Highest-Paying Physical Therapy Specialties<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Choosing a specialty can help you increase your earning potential. Some areas of physical therapy are in higher demand and often offer better salaries because they require advanced skills and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Physical Therapy Specialty<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Estimated Annual Salary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pelvic Health Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$110,000\u2013$140,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sports Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$105,000\u2013$130,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Home Health Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$105,000\u2013$130,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vestibular Rehabilitation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$105,000\u2013$130,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Neurological Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$100,000\u2013$125,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Orthopedic Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$100,000\u2013$120,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Geriatric Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$95,000\u2013$120,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pediatric Physical Therapy<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$90,000\u2013$115,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your salary may vary based on your location, employer, years of experience, certifications, and the demand for your specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Increase Your Salary as a Physical Therapist<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are several ways to grow your income as a physical therapist. Building new skills and exploring different career paths can help you qualify for higher-paying roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Earn a Board Certification<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gain advanced credentials to qualify for specialized and higher-paying positions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Consider Travel Physical Therapy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Travel assignments often offer higher pay, housing stipends, and travel reimbursement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Gain More Experience<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As your experience grows, so does your earning potential. If you&#8217;re just starting, learn <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-physical-therapist\/\"><b>how to become a physical therapist<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to begin your career.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Move into a Leadership Role<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leadership positions like Clinical Supervisor or Rehabilitation Manager usually come with higher salaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Work PRN or Per Diem Shifts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PRN and per diem roles often pay higher hourly rates to meet staffing needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Open a Private Practice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Owning a private practice can increase your income, but it also comes with business responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Continue Learning<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep your skills up to date with continuing education and specialized certifications to boost your earning potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Find the Right Physical Therapy Job<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whether you&#8217;re a new graduate or an experienced physical therapist, choosing the right employer can have a big impact on your salary, career growth, and work-life balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you explore your options, consider working with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/\"><b>trusted healthcare staffing agency in the U.S.<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> These agencies can connect you with travel, contract, locum tenens, and permanent physical therapy jobs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finding the right opportunity can help you grow your career while maximizing your earning potential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical therapy is a rewarding career with strong job growth and competitive pay. Your salary can vary based on where you work, your experience, your specialty, and your work setting. As you build your skills and gain experience, you can qualify for higher-paying roles and grow your career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re planning to become a physical therapist or looking for your next job, understanding salary trends can help you make better career decisions. Comparing different states, specialties, and work settings can help you find opportunities that match your goals and earning expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>How much do physical therapists make per year?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the <\/span><b>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the <\/span><b>median annual salary for physical therapists was $101,020 in 2024<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Your actual salary may vary based on your experience, location, specialty, and employer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Which states pay physical therapists the most?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the highest-paying states include <\/span><b>California, Nevada, Alaska, New Jersey, and Texas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Keep in mind that a higher salary may also come with a higher cost of living.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What work setting pays physical therapists the most?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Travel physical therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>home health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are among the highest-paying work settings. Physical therapists who own successful private practices may also earn higher incomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Does experience affect a physical therapist&#8217;s salary?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes. As you gain experience, improve your skills, and earn advanced certifications, you can qualify for higher-paying positions and leadership roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is physical therapy a good career choice?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes. Physical therapy offers competitive salaries, strong job demand, and many career paths. It&#8217;s a great choice for people who want a stable career while helping others recover and improve their quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How much do physical therapists make, and is it worth pursuing this career? It&#8217;s one of the first questions aspiring [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1433,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-physical-therapist"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1429","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1429"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1429\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1432,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1429\/revisions\/1432"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1429"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1429"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intuitivehealthservices.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1429"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}