How Much Do Physical Therapists Make In 2024? PT Salary

In the field of healthcare, physical therapy is a rewarding and in-demand profession.

A physical therapist or physiotherapist is a healthcare professional trained to help individuals restore and improve their physical function, mobility, and overall well-being through physical interventions and exercises.

If you’re considering a career as a physical therapist (PT), one of the questions you’re likely to ask is, “How much do physical therapists make?”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how much do physical therapists make in different states, cities, industry, and the factors that influence a physical therapist’s salary.

Let’s dive in!

How Much Do Physical Therapists Make? 2024 Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for physical therapists in the United States is $98,175 with an average hourly wage of $46.98 and an average base salary of $8,181 per month.

Entry-level physical therapists may earn around $71,369 annually, while more experienced therapists with advanced degrees and certifications can earn well over $110,066 annually.

USA.edu reports that certain physical therapy specializations yield higher salaries.

For instance, orthopedic physical therapists can earn around $81,000, while those specializing in women’s health may have an average salary of $146,121.

Additionally, physical therapists who work in metropolitan areas or regions with high demand may receive higher salaries compared to those in rural or less populated areas.

10 Highest Paying States for Physical Therapists

If you’re considering a career as a physical therapist in the United States, it’s essential to know which states offer the highest salaries.

Let’s take a closer look at the average salaries in some key states:

Physical Therapist Salary California

• California boasts the highest average annual salary for physical therapists in the United States, at $114,230.

Physical Therapist Salary in Texas

• The average annual salary for physical therapists is $102,300.

Physical Therapist Salary NYC

• Physical therapists in New York City earn an average annual salary of $103,580.

Physical Therapist Salary Florida

• In Florida, physical therapists earn an average annual salary of $91,730.

Here are some of the highest paying states for physical therapists according to BLS:

These states consistently rank among the top-paying states for physical therapists.

Factors such as population density, cost of living, and demand for physical therapy services contribute to the higher salaries in these areas.

10 Highest Paying Cities for Physical Therapists

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential as a physical therapist, you may want to consider working in cities that offer higher salaries.

Here are some of the best paying cities for physical therapists according to BLS:

San Jose, CA takes the lead as the highest paying city for physical therapists, with an average salary of $133,810.

San Francisco and Los Angeles closely follow, offering lucrative opportunities for physical therapists.

Physical Therapist Salary by Industry

Besides the location, the industry you choose to work in can also impact your earning potential as a physical therapist.

Here are the top industries with the highest concentration of employment for physical therapists:

It’s worth noting that most physical therapists work full-time, primarily during typical business hours.

However, some may work nights or weekends, depending on the specific job and employer.

Top 15 Highest Paying Countries for Physical Therapists

If you’re considering practicing physical therapy outside of the United States, it’s essential to know which countries offer the highest salaries.

Here are the top 15 highest paying countries for physical therapists based on the average salaries for 2024:

Switzerland takes the top spot as the highest paying country for physical therapists, with an average salary of $101,921.

The United States comes in second place, demonstrating that it still offers competitive wages for physical therapists.

Factors that Influence a Physical Therapist Salary

Several factors come into play when determining a physical therapist salary.

These factors include education, certifications, additional skills, years of experience, and the location and type of employment.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

1. Education and Certifications

Education plays a vital role in determining a physical therapist salary.

To become a physical therapist, you need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program.

Certifications such as Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) or Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) can demonstrate your expertise in specialized areas and potentially lead to higher salaries.

2. Additional Skills

Beyond formal education and certifications, possessing additional skills positively impacts a physical therapist salary.

Skills such as manual therapy, specialized treatment techniques, and proficiency in using advanced technology and equipment can make you a more valuable asset to employers, potentially resulting in higher pay.

3. Years of Experience

As with any profession, experience plays a significant role in determining a physical therapist salary.

As you gain more experience and expertise in the field, you become more valuable to employers, which can lead to salary increases.

Entry-level physical therapists can expect to earn a lower salary compared to those with several years of experience.

4. Location and Type of Employment

The geographic location and the type of employment also influence a physical therapist’s salary.

Physical therapists working in metropolitan areas or states with a higher cost of living generally earn higher salaries.

Additionally, the type of employment can impact salary, with physical therapists working in outpatient care centers or home health care services often earning higher salaries compared to those working in educational or nursing care facilities.

Types of Physical Therapists

Physical therapy is a diverse field, with different specialties catering to specific patient populations.

Let’s delve into some of the most common types of physical therapists and examine their average annual salaries and hourly wages.

1. Neurological Physical Therapists

Neurological physical therapists specialize in working with patients who have neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.

They often work in rehabilitation centers or hospital settings.

These therapists design treatment plans to improve patients’ balance, coordination, and overall motor function.

On average, the neurological physical therapist salary is $85,000 per annum, with an average hourly wage of $41.

2. Orthopedic Physical Therapists

Orthopedic physical therapists focus on treating patients with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, including fractures, joint replacements, and sports injuries.

The average orthopedic physical therapist salary is $92,000 annually, with an average hourly wage of $48.

3. Sports Physical Therapists

Sports physical therapists specialize in working with athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities. They may work directly with sports teams or in private practices.

They not only help athletes recover from sports-related injuries but also assist in injury prevention and performance enhancement.

The average sports physical therapist salary is approximately $88,000 annually, with an average hourly wage of $45.

4. Geriatric Physical Therapists

Geriatric physical therapists provide rehabilitative care to older adults, addressing age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance issues.

The average geriatric physical therapist salary is $84,000 annually, with an average hourly wage of $40.

They often work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home healthcare settings.

5. Pediatric Physical Therapists

Pediatric physical therapists work with infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental delays, congenital conditions, or injuries.

They use specialized techniques to promote optimal motor development, improve coordination, and enhance sensory integration in young patients.

The average pediatric physical therapist salary is around $81,000 annually, with an average hourly wage of $39.

These therapists can be found in pediatric hospitals, schools, or private practices.

Tips for Negotiating a Higher Physical Therapist Salary

Negotiating a higher salary can be a daunting task, but it is essential for maximizing earning potential.

Here are some tips to help physical therapists negotiate a higher salary:

1. Research the average salary range for physical therapists in your area and use it as a benchmark during negotiations.
2. Highlight your accomplishments, experience, and any specialized training or certifications you have obtained.
3. Emphasize the value you bring to the organization, such as your ability to attract and retain patients or your expertise in a specific area of practice.
4. Be confident and assertive during negotiations, but also remain open to compromises or alternative benefits.
5. Consider negotiating other aspects of your compensation package, such as additional vacation days, flexible work hours, or professional development opportunities.

Average Physical Therapist Salary vs. Other Best Jobs

Physical therapists earned an average salary of $97,960 in 2022.

Let’s compare this to the average salaries of other related professions:

• Occupational Therapists: $92,800
• Audiologists: $89,490
• CRNA salary: $202,507
• Speech-Language Pathologists: $89,460
• Physical Therapist Assistants: $64,510
• Respiratory Therapist Salary: $89,915

As you can see, physical therapists generally earn higher salaries compared to physical therapist assistants, but their salaries are comparable to those of occupational therapists, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists.

Resources for Physical Therapist Salaries

When exploring physical therapist salaries, it’s important to consult reliable resources.

Here are trusted platforms that provide accurate and up-to-date salary information about physical therapist salary:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The official website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers comprehensive data on various occupations, including physical therapy.
2. Salary.com: Salary.com provides salary information specific to physical therapists, considering factors such as location, experience, and education.
3. Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers salary insights and reviews from current and former employees of specific healthcare organizations.
4. PayScale: PayScale provides salary data based on user-submitted information, allowing physical therapists to compare their earnings with others in their field.
5. American Physical Therapy Association: The American Physical Therapy Association offers resources for physical therapists, including salary surveys and industry trends.
6. Med Travelers: Med Travelers specializes in travel physical therapy jobs and provides information on salary ranges for travel therapists.

Conclusion

Becoming a physical therapist can be a rewarding career choice, both personally and financially.

The salary of a physical therapist is influenced by factors such as education, certifications, experience, location, and type of employment.

It’s essential to consider these factors when evaluating salary expectations.

As the demand for physical therapy services continues to grow, so does the potential for higher salaries and job opportunities.

Whether you choose to work in a high-paying city or a top-paying state, the field of physical therapy offers a bright future.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Note: The salaries mentioned in this article are based on current data and may be subject to change.