Physical Therapist Salary in the United States
Based on 267K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$101,618
$48.85/hr
▲ 1.7% vs 2024Salary Range
$77K – $130K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
267K
workers nationwide
The median Physical Therapist salary in the United States is $101,618 annually, which translates to approximately $49 per hour. This figure offers a general benchmark for professionals in this vital healthcare field, reflecting the compensation for thousands of employed individuals across the nation.
Several factors can influence a Physical Therapist's earning potential. These include years of experience, the specific setting of employment (such as hospitals, private practices, or outpatient clinics), advanced certifications, and geographic location. For instance, states like California offer higher compensation, with an average of $124,190.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,405 |
| 25th percentile | $86,388 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,618 |
| 75th percentile | $115,654 |
| 90th percentile | $129,623 |
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Physical Therapist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $124,190 | +22.2% | 27K |
| 2 | Alaska | $115,280 | +13.4% | 680 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $112,140 | +10.4% | 10K |
| 4 | Nevada | $111,250 | +9.5% | 2K |
| 5 | Maryland | $106,890 | +5.2% | 4K |
| 6 | New Mexico | $106,880 | +5.2% | 1K |
| 7 | Washington | $105,950 | +4.3% | 5K |
| 8 | Texas | $105,810 | +4.1% | 22K |
| 9 | Illinois | $105,250 | +3.6% | 10K |
| 10 | Connecticut | $104,360 | +2.7% | 4K |
Physical Therapist Salary by Industry
How much Physical Therapists earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($120,530 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $120,530 | +18.6% | 30 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | +9.3% | 4K |
| 3 | Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | +3.2% | 60 |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | +1.3% | 249K |
| 5 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | +0.2% | 60 |
| 6 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,140 | -0.5% | 670 |
| 7 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $101,020 | -0.6% | 520 |
| 8 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,050 | -1.5% | 320 |
| 9 | Educational Services | $98,170 | -3.4% | 8K |
| 10 | Administrative and Support Services | $86,340 | -15.0% | 5K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Physical Therapist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Physical Therapist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grandison Management | $70,554 | 166 |
| 2 | Humana | $98,342 | 7 |
| 3 | Management Health Systems | $89,440 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,382 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $86,388 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,618 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,654 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,623 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in the US?
- The median Physical Therapist salary in the United States is $101,618 per year. This means half of all Physical Therapists earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists?
- The salary range for Physical Therapists in the US typically falls between $77,405 and $129,623 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays Physical Therapists the most?
- California is currently the top-paying state for Physical Therapists, with an average annual salary of $124,190. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Physical Therapists are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 267,350 Physical Therapists employed across the United States. This substantial workforce underscores the demand for these healthcare professionals.