Physical Therapist Salary in USA 2025
DPT degree ROI, specialization premium, and state-by-state pay
National Median Annual Salary
How Much Do Physical Therapists Earn in 2025?
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients recover mobility, manage pain, and improve physical function after injury, surgery, or illness. They work with diverse populations—from athletes recovering from ACL tears to elderly patients regaining independence after hip replacement.
2025 national data shows strong earning potential: median $101,020 annually ($48.50/hour), with average around $89,000–$102,500 depending on source. Physical therapy offers solid income with meaningful patient impact.
Significant state variation exists: top states like California ($114,270) pay nearly 75% more than lowest-paying states like Louisiana ($65,500). DPT degree holders earn significantly more than those with earlier degrees, and specialization in sports medicine, orthopedics, or pediatrics commands premium pay. Experienced PTs can reach $100K+ annually. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary and Distribution
Physical therapist compensation shows a clear distribution from entry-level to top earners:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,260 | Entry-level, rural areas |
| 25th percentile | $82,000 | Early career |
| Median (50th) | $101,020 | National median |
| 75th percentile | $119,500 | Experienced, specialized |
| 90th percentile | $130,870 | Senior, high-demand specialties |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Physical therapists earn well above average, with the median exceeding $100,000. To convert hourly to annual, use our hourly to salary calculator.
Historical Salary Trends and Growth
Physical therapist salaries have grown consistently over the past five years:
| Year | Median Annual Salary | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $91,010 | N/A |
| 2021 | $95,620 | +5.1% |
| 2022 | $97,800 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $99,710 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $101,020 | +1.3% |
| 2025 (projected) | $102,500 | +1.5% |
Growth Drivers
Consistent salary growth reflects: high demand driven by aging population, shortage of PTs in many markets, increasing recognition of rehabilitation value, and expansion of physical therapy services into new settings (telehealth, workplace wellness).
DPT Degree ROI and Education Impact
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is now the standard entry requirement for PT licensure (since 2015). Understanding the ROI helps prospective students make informed decisions.
Education Investment
DPT program cost: $80,000–$120,000 total tuition for most programs
Program length: 3 years after bachelor's degree (7 years total higher education)
Average debt at graduation: $100,000–$150,000 for most graduates
ROI Analysis
With median salary of $101,020, most PT graduates can expect: debt payoff within 10–15 years with standard repayment, comfortable lifestyle during repayment (especially in moderate cost-of-living areas), and strong long-term earning potential ($100K+ for 30+ year career).
Comparison to Other Healthcare Professions
PTs earn more than RNs (~$81,000 median) but less than physicians ($200,000+ median). Compared to similar doctoral-level healthcare professions, PT salary is competitive with occupational therapists (~$96,000), pharmacists (~$128,000), and nurse practitioners (~$120,000).
DPT vs. Earlier Degrees
PTs who earned degrees before the DPT requirement (MPT, bachelor's) can still practice with their credentials. However, newer DPT graduates have advantages in competitive markets, and some employers prefer doctoral-level clinicians.
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Geographic location dramatically impacts PT compensation—nearly 75% difference between highest and lowest paying states.
Highest-Paying States
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $114,270 |
| 2 | Nevada | $111,460 |
| 3 | Alaska | $110,830 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $109,280 |
| 5 | Texas | $106,960 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $105,500 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $104,800 |
| 8 | Colorado | $103,200 |
| 9 | Washington | $102,800 |
| 10 | Arizona | $101,500 |
Lowest-Paying States
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $65,500 |
| Georgia | $66,800 |
| Florida | $68,400 |
| North Dakota | $71,600 |
| Mississippi | $78,500 |
Cost of Living Considerations
High-paying states often have higher costs of living. A $114,270 salary in California may provide less purchasing power than $85,000 in a lower-cost state. Texas stands out as a high-paying state ($106,960) with moderate cost of living—offering strong purchasing power for PTs.
Salary by Specialization
Specialization commands premium compensation in physical therapy:
| Specialization | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Sports medicine PT | $110,000–$130,000+ |
| Orthopedic PT | $100,000–$120,000 |
| Neurologic PT | $98,000–$115,000 |
| Pediatric PT | $95,000–$110,000 |
| Geriatric PT | $90,000–$105,000 |
| General outpatient PT | $85,000–$100,000 |
| Home health PT | $95,000–$115,000 |
Sports Medicine Premium
Sports medicine PTs earn 15–30% more than general practitioners. They work with professional and collegiate athletes, often in team settings with higher visibility and compensation. Board certification (Sports Clinical Specialist - SCS) validates expertise and justifies premium pay.
Home Health Opportunity
Home health PT positions often pay above average ($95,000–$115,000) due to travel requirements and autonomous practice. Per-visit compensation models can push earnings higher for efficient clinicians.
What Physical Therapists Do
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Physical therapists: evaluate patients and establish diagnoses, develop individualized treatment plans, implement therapeutic exercises and techniques, use modalities (heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), track progress and adjust treatment, educate patients on home exercise programs, and document care for medical records and billing.
Work Settings
Outpatient clinics: Most common—scheduled appointments for orthopedic, sports, and general rehab
Hospitals: Acute care, inpatient rehabilitation
Skilled nursing facilities: Geriatric rehabilitation, post-acute care
Home health: Treating patients in their homes
Schools: Pediatric PT for students with disabilities
Sports teams: Professional, collegiate, and elite amateur athletics
Education and Licensure
PTs must complete: bachelor's degree (pre-PT coursework), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program (3 years), clinical rotations (minimum 30 weeks), and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for state licensure.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Physical therapy offers strong employment prospects with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
Strong growth is projected due to: aging population requiring rehabilitation services, increased sports participation across age groups, chronic conditions (obesity, diabetes) requiring PT intervention, preference for rehabilitation over surgery, and expanded insurance coverage for PT services.
Career Progression
Typical advancement path: Staff PT → Senior PT → Clinical specialist → Clinic director → Multi-site director or private practice owner
Alternative paths include: academia/teaching, research, consulting, and healthcare administration.
Residency and Fellowship
Completing a residency (1 year) and/or fellowship (1 additional year) in a specialty area accelerates career advancement and provides training for board certification. Board-certified specialists command higher salaries and have more career options.
How to Increase Your Physical Therapist Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost PT compensation.
Specialize
Sports medicine and orthopedic specialists earn 15–30% more than general PTs. Complete a residency, pursue board certification (OCS, SCS, NCS), and target specialized practice settings.
Relocate to High-Paying States
California ($114,270), Nevada ($111,460), and Alaska ($110,830) pay 50–75% more than Louisiana ($65,500). Geographic arbitrage can dramatically increase income.
Pursue Board Certification
ABPTS board certifications add credibility and pay: Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS), and Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS).
Work in Higher-Paying Settings
Home health and travel PT positions often pay above outpatient clinic rates. Hospital-based positions may offer better benefits packages.
Move into Management or Ownership
Clinic directors and practice owners earn significantly more than staff PTs. Build leadership skills and consider practice ownership for maximum earning potential.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value based on specialty, experience, and location. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average physical therapist salary in 2025?
The national median physical therapist salary is $101,020 annually ($48.50/hour). The range spans from $72,260 (10th percentile) to $130,870 (90th percentile). Average varies by source from $89,000–$102,500.
Do physical therapists with DPT degrees earn more?
The DPT is now required for new PTs (since 2015), so direct comparison with earlier degrees is difficult. DPT holders have advantages in competitive markets, and the doctoral credential may justify higher starting salaries at some employers.
Which states pay physical therapists the most?
Highest-paying states: California ($114,270), Nevada ($111,460), Alaska ($110,830), New Jersey ($109,280), and Texas ($106,960). These states pay 50–75% more than lowest-paying states like Louisiana ($65,500) and Georgia ($66,800).
What is the ROI of a DPT degree?
With $80,000–$120,000 in program costs and median salary of $101,020, most graduates can expect 10–15 year payback on educational investment while maintaining comfortable lifestyle. ROI improves in high-paying states and specialties.
Is physical therapy a good career in 2025?
Yes. Physical therapy offers: above-average income ($101,000 median), strong job growth outlook, meaningful patient relationships, work-life balance options, and diverse practice settings. Trade-offs include demanding education (7 years), significant debt ($100,000+), and physical demands of the work.