How Much Do Physical Therapists Make in 2024?

February 18, 2024
12:34 pm

Table of Contents

Introduction

How much do physical therapists make? In the field of healthcare, physical therapists are experts that assist patients in regaining their mobility and function after suffering from injuries or disabilities. They treat a wide variety of illnesses, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and sports injuries, and they work with patients of all ages, from youngsters to the elderly. They also treat a wide range of conditions.

It is anticipated that the career prognosis for physical therapists would be highly favorable in the years to come, since there is a great need for their services. As the population of baby boomers continues to age, there will be an increased demand for specialists in the field of physical therapy who can assist individuals in managing chronic pain and other diseases.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual compensation of a physical therapist is approximately $86,850 on average. The wage range, on the other hand, might suffer large variations depending on a number of criteria, including the geographical region, the number of years of experience, and the type of employer.

What is the average salary for physical therapists?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual compensation of a physical therapist is approximately $87,127 on average. The real pay that you can anticipate earning, on the other hand, will vary based on a variety of factors, such as your level of experience, education, location, and the kind of environment in which you work.

The following is a breakdown of the typical compensation for physical therapists according to their level of experience:

Entry-level physical therapists: $68,563 per year
Mid-level physical therapists: $83,349 per year
Senior-level physical therapists: $97,135 per year

There is also a variation in the average wage of physical therapists depending on the area. The states of California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington are the ones that offer the highest average earnings for physical therapists. The states of Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Louisiana are the ones that have the lowest average pay for physical therapists.

There is a correlation between the kind of environment in which you work and the amount of money you make. When compared to those who work in private practices or outpatient clinics, physical therapists who are employed in hospitals often receive greater compensation.

The amount of money that physical therapists make on average is considered to be satisfactory. The actual pay that you can anticipate earning, on the other hand, can vary depending on a number of different conditions, and it is essential that you keep this fact in mind.

Factors that affect a physical therapist’s salary

A physical therapist’s compensation can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the following aforementioned criteria:

Education and experience
Location
Specialty
Employment setting

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

Education and experience: Professionals in the field of physical therapy who hold a master’s degree in physical therapy (MPT) often earn a higher salary than those who hold a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy (BPT). In addition, physical therapists who have more years of experience often earn more than those who have less expertise in the field.
Location: It is also possible for the compensation of a physical therapist to be impacted by the cost of living in a given region. Physical therapists who work in high-cost places, such as New York City or San Francisco, often earn more than their counterparts who work in low-cost areas, such as rural areas or cities with a smaller population.
Specialty: Experts in the field of physical therapy, such as those who specialize in orthopedics or pediatrics, often receive a higher salary than their counterparts who do not specialize in their field.
Employment setting: When compared to those who work in private practice or in outpatient settings, physical therapists who are employed in hospitals or clinics often earn a higher salary to their patients.

It is essential to keep in mind that the aforementioned are merely broad guidelines. The income of a physical therapist can be affected by a wide variety of additional factors, including the size of the employer, the type of insurance coverage that is provided, and the productivity requirements that are associated with the work.

How to get a higher salary as a physical therapist

When it comes to earning a higher wage as a physical therapist, there are a number of things that you can do to boost your chances of doing so. These include the following:

Get additional education and training.
Gain experience in a high-demand setting.
Network with other physical therapists and professionals in your field.
Become certified or board-certified.
Negotiate your salary when you are offered a job.

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

Get additional education and training

As a physical therapist, obtaining extra education and training is one of the most effective strategies to enhance your compensation. Acquiring a master’s degree in physical therapy, finishing a residency program, or enrolling in continuing education classes are all potential options for accomplishing this goal.

By acquiring new skills and information through additional education and training, you can increase your value to potential employers and make yourself more marketable to them. On top of that, it can help you qualify for positions that offer better salaries.

Gain experience in a high-demand setting

As a physical therapist, gaining experience working in an area that is in high demand is another way to increase your income. This is because such an atmosphere makes you more marketable. Examples of possible professional contexts include working in a hospital, a rehabilitation facility, or a private office. Some of these situations are shown below.

In many cases, the locations of settings that are thought to be more in demand are urban places. This is because urban areas have a higher demand for physical therapists. Additionally to this, they are more likely to offer more salary than other companies.

Network with other physical therapists and professionals in your field

Networking is an essential method for keeping abreast of the most recent developments in the field of physical therapy and for gaining knowledge about new employment prospects. Additionally, it can assist you in developing relationships with other physical therapists, who could be able to supply you with referrals or recommendations should you need them.

Networking with other professionals in your sector, including fellow physical therapists, can be accomplished through a variety of different means. You have the option of participating in professional conferences and workshops, becoming a member of a professional association, or volunteering for a physical therapy group in your community.

Become certified or board-certified

gaining of a certification or board certification can be an excellent method for demonstrating your level of competence and increasing the potential earnings you have. You have the ability to select a certification or board certification that is pertinent to your interests and professional goals because there are a variety of certifications and board certifications that are accessible to physical therapists.

Among the most well-known qualifications and board-certifications for physical therapists, the Certified Clinical Specialist (CCS) in Physical Therapy, the Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS), and the Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) are among the most sought-after certifications and certifications.

Negotiate your salary when you are offered a job

It is essential to successfully negotiate your wage when you are presented with the opportunity to work as a physical therapist. You now have the opportunity to earn the best possible pay that you are capable of earning.

If you want to negotiate your salary in an efficient manner, there are a lot of things that you may undertake. These include the following:

Carry out some research, and be aware of your value.
Get ready to engage in negotiations.
Strive to be self-assured and strong.
Should you find that the salary does not meet your expectations, you should be prepared to withdraw from the offer.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a higher salary as a physical therapist.

The best states for physical therapists to work in

There is a significant amount of variation in the average wage of physical therapists from one state to the next. When it comes to employment opportunities, the states that have a strong demand for physical therapists and a high cost of living are the ideal states for physical therapists to work in.

On the basis of the average wage, the cost of living, and the number of job openings, the following states are considered to be prime locations for physical therapists to find employment:

California: The cost of living in California is 130.5% of the national average, while the average wage for physical therapists in the state is $93,650. In the state of California, there are more than 18,000 job openings available for physical therapists.
New York: It is estimated that physical therapists in New York earn an average salary of $90,780 per year, while the cost of living in the state is 126.8% of the national average. In the state of New York, there are more than 12,000 job openings available for physical therapists.
Massachusetts: The cost of living in Massachusetts is 125.5% of the national average, yet the average wage for physical therapists in the state is $89,510. There are more than nine thousand career opportunities available for physical therapists in the state of Massachusetts.
Washington: Physical therapists in the state of Washington earn an average salary of $88,490, while the cost of living in the state is 122.6% of the average for the entire country. In the state of Washington, there are more than 8,000 job openings available for physical therapists.
Colorado: The cost of living in Colorado is 116.1% of the national average, while the average compensation for physical therapists in the state is $87,900 throughout the course of their careers. In the state of Colorado, there are more than seven thousand employment vacancies for physical therapists.

There are many states that are considered to be among the greatest places to work for physical therapists. Additionally, Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, and Texas are among the states that have a strong need for physical therapists and offer high compensation to those who work in the field.

The best cities for physical therapists to work in

There are a lot of elements that determine which cities are the greatest places for physical therapists to work. These considerations include the quality of life, the quantity of career prospects, and the cost of living. Cities such as the following are among the top choices for physical therapists:

San Francisco, California
New York City, New York
Seattle, Washington
Boston, Massachusetts
San Diego, California

Individuals who work in the field of physical therapy can find a wide range of employment options and good incomes in each of these places. In addition, they have a good quality of life, which is characterized by an abundance of cultural events and amenities.

Naturally, the city that is best suited for a physical therapist to practice in will differ from person to person, depending on their own tastes. Living in a smaller city that has a reduced cost of living may be more appealing to certain individuals, while others may be more interested in living in a larger city that offers a greater number of employment options. In the end, the most important choice for a physical therapist is to select a city that caters to their specific requirements and interests.

The best hospitals for physical therapists to work in

The most desirable hospitals for physical therapists to work at are those that provide competitive compensation, a wide range of perks, and opportunities for opportunities to advance their professional careers. Listed below are some of the hospitals that are considered to be among the best for physical therapists:

Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic
Hopkins Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
Stanford University Hospital

These hospitals provide a diverse selection of clinical settings, such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient clinics, and research laboratories, among other options. Furthermore, they have a solid reputation for providing excellent patient care and conducting research, which may be an extremely advantageous tool for physical therapists who are trying to further their careers.

In addition to providing salary and benefits that are comparable to those offered by other hospitals, these hospitals also offer possibilities for professional development. They provide their employees with a wide range of opportunities for continuing education, including workshops, seminars, and courses, and they encourage their employees to participate in research and publish their contributions.

If you are a physical therapist who is seeking for a profession that is both difficult and fulfilling, you should think about working at one of the best hospitals in the country. An environment that is encouraging, a plethora of options for professional development, and the possibility of making a genuine difference in the lives of your patients are all things that you will discover here.Given the opportunity to have a genuine impact on the lives of the people you treat as patients.

The best private practices for physical therapists to work in

Physical therapists who are interested in working at private offices that offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional development are the ideal candidates for employment. In addition to this, they have a solid reputation for providing patients with care of the highest possible standard.

There are a number of reasons why physical therapists would benefit from working in a private practice, including the following:

The magnitude of the medical group. In general, larger practices provide more opportunity for progression and specialization in their respective fields. However, smaller practices could provide a more individualized and encouraging atmosphere for employees to work in.
The place where the practice is located. Urban practices often have a higher cost of living, but they may also have a larger patient pool. This is because urban locations tend to have more people living in them. It is possible that practices situated in rural locations have a cheaper cost of living; however, it is also possible that they have a diminished patient pool.
a description of the patients that are treated at the practice.
Certain medical practices have chosen to focus their attention on the treatment of a specific category of patients, such as pediatric or elderly patients. Various other practices provide a comprehensive range of services to a diverse spectrum of patients.
When it comes to the practice’s reputation. There are a number of aspects that contribute to the reputation of a practice, including the cost of services, the level of expertise within the team, and the quality of treatment that is offered.

Here are some of the most reputable private practices that are available for physical therapists to work in:

Rehab Unlimited
Physical Therapy Associates
PhysioWorks
Rehab Management Group
Peak Performance Physical Therapy

These practices provide possibilities for professional development, benefit packages, and incomes that are competitive in the market. In addition to this, they have a solid reputation for providing patients with care of the highest possible standard.

Take into consideration submitting an application to one of these practices if you are a physical therapist who is seeking for a new employment. You will undoubtedly come across a working environment that is both gratifying and fulfilling.

The best outpatient clinics for physical therapists to work in

Physical therapists who are interested in working in a setting that is both fast-paced and patient-centered may find that outpatient clinics are an excellent alternative. Outpatient clinics often provide a wide range of services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, among others. In addition, they frequently have a group of additional medical experts, such as physicians, nurses, and social workers, who are able to collaborate in order to give patients with comprehensive care.

The top outpatient clinics for physical therapists to work at provide a number of benefits, including the following characteristics:

A strong patient population
A variety of services
A team of other healthcare professionals
A supportive and collaborative environment
Competitive salaries and benefits

Here are some of the best outpatient clinics for physical therapists to work at:

American Occupational Therapy Association
American Physical Therapy Association
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
American Academy of Craniomandibular Disorders

Physical therapists have access to a wide range of services through these organizations, which include job listings, opportunities for continuing education, and advocacy possibilities. They also offer assistance and direction to physical therapists who are interested in beginning their own practices and are looking to do so.

Resources

The following are some resources that you may find helpful in your search for information on physical therapist salaries:

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): The APTA is the national professional organization for physical therapists. The APTA provides a variety of resources on physical therapist salaries, including salary surveys and data on the job market for physical therapists.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS is a federal agency that collects and publishes data on employment and wages for various occupations. The BLS provides a salary report for physical therapists that includes information on median annual wages, hourly wages, and job growth projections.
Salary.com: salary.com is a website that provides salary data for various occupations. Salary.com provides a salary report for physical therapists that includes information on median annual wages, hourly wages, and job growth projections.
Indeed.com: Indeed.com is a job search website that allows you to search for jobs by location and salary. Indeed.com provides salary data for physical therapists that includes information on median annual wages, hourly wages, and job growth projections.

People Also Ask

1. How much do physical therapists make per year?

In the United States, the yearly salary of physical therapists varied depending on a variety of criteria, including the amount of experience they had, the location of their workplace, and the kind of facility they worked in. However, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from May 2020, physical therapists in the United States earned a median pay of approximately $91,010 per year on average.

Remember that these data are subject to change over time, and it is recommended that you look into more recent sources or labor statistics in order to obtain the most up-to-date information regarding salaries. There is also the possibility that the levels of salaries can range from one country and region to another around the world.

2. What is the average salary for a physical therapist?

As of May 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the annual compensation of physical therapists in the United States was approximately $91,010, which is the average salary for this profession. However, it is essential to keep in mind that individual pay might differ depending on a variety of criteria, including professional experience, geographic region, and the kind of healthcare environment in which a physical therapist is employed.

When looking for information that is both current and particular, it is recommended that you consult sources that are more recent. Some examples of such sources include wage surveys, industry studies, and government labor statistics. It is also possible for salaries to shift over time as a result of developments in the economy and other variables.

3. What is the starting salary for a physical therapist?

There are a number of elements that might influence the starting income of a physical therapist. These include the physical therapist’s location, amount of education, level of experience, and the type of employer. In the United States, entry-level physical therapists normally earned salaries that ranged from $60,000 to $80,000 per year, although these amounts can fluctuate. This information was gathered during my most recent knowledge update, which took place in January 2022.

For the most up-to-date information on starting salaries for physical therapists, it is recommended to consult more recent sources, such as job market studies, industry surveys, or compensation data from relevant professional organizations. It is essential to keep in mind that salary information may undergo changes over the course of time. Additionally, particular job offers and agreements can also have an effect on the salary packages individual employees receive.

4. What is the highest salary for a physical therapist?

There are a number of elements that can influence the greatest pay that a physical therapist can earn. These considerations include but are not limited to experience, specialization, geography, and the type of employer. In the United States, physical therapists who have years of experience and advanced certifications or specializations, as well as those who work in high-demand locations or prestigious healthcare facilities, have the potential to earn incomes that are higher than the average for the country.

If they have a large amount of experience and expertise, physical therapists have the potential to earn incomes that are well into the six-figure level. It is essential to keep in mind that information regarding salaries can shift over time. Therefore, in order to obtain the most recent and accurate figures, it is recommended to consult recent industry reports, salary surveys, or job market analyses. Additionally, it is recommended to check with relevant professional organizations or healthcare institutions.

5. What are the factors that affect a physical therapist’s salary?

The factors that affect a physical therapist’s salary include:

Education and experience
Location
Specialty
Employment setting

The earnings of physical therapists who have more education and experience are often greater than those of their peers. There is a correlation between working in high-cost areas and higher salaries for physical therapists. The pay of physical therapists who specialize in particular fields, such as orthopedics or sports medicine, are also greater than those of other physical therapists. In addition, the incomes of physical therapists who work in hospitals or private clinics are often higher than those who work in other types of professional environments.

6. How much do physical therapists make in Texas?

It is estimated that physical therapists in the state of Texas earn an annual salary of $85,000 on average, with the top 10% earning more than $119,000 annually. Nevertheless, the amount of money that a physical therapist makes can vary greatly based on a variety of circumstances, including their level of expertise, the location of their workplace, and the kind of facility in which they are employed.

It is essential to possess a doctoral degree in physical therapy and to be successful in passing the National Physical Therapy Examination in order to work as a physical therapist in the state of Texas. The state of Texas is home to a diverse range of employment opportunities for physical therapists, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

7. How much do physical therapists make in California?

It is estimated that physical therapists in the state of California earn an annual compensation of $94,000 on average, with the top 10% earning more than $125,000 annually. Nevertheless, the amount of money that a physical therapist makes can vary greatly based on a variety of circumstances, including their level of expertise, the location of their workplace, and the kind of facility in which they are employed.

It is essential to possess a doctoral degree in physical therapy and to be successful in passing the National Physical Therapy Examination in order to work as a physical therapist in the state of California. Hospitals, clinics, and private offices are just some of the places where physical therapists in the state of California can be found working or seeking employment.

8. How much do physical therapists make in Florida?

Physical therapists in Florida earn an average of $79,000 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $106,000. However, the amount of money a physical therapist earns varies greatly based on criteria such as their level of expertise, location, and the sort of facility where they work.

To become a physical therapist in Florida, you must earn a doctorate in physical therapy and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam. Physical therapists in Florida work in a wide range of venues, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.