Physical Therapist Salary in Alabama
Based on 3K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$97,290
$46.77/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-4.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $134K
3K employed in Alabama
Physical therapists in Alabama earn a median salary of $97,040 per year, with approximately 2,750 workers employed in the state. This figure falls about 3% below the national average, though it remains a competitive wage within Alabama's healthcare market. The salary range spans from $68,030 to $128,810 annually, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence physical therapist salary in Alabama, including years of clinical experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Therapists in urban areas or specialized facilities may command higher compensation than those in rural locations. Additionally, employer type—whether private practice, hospital, or rehabilitation center—plays a role in determining earning potential for physical therapists in the state.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,770 |
| 25th percentile | $81,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,290 |
| 75th percentile | $115,210 |
| 90th percentile | $133,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,360 |
| 2023 | $96,700 |
| 2024 | $97,040 |
| 2025 | $97,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,541 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,360 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $96,700 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $97,040 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $97,290 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,541 | $101,880 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $133,710 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Physical Therapist ($97,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +434.0% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +303.3% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +219.8% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +116.2% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +115.3% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +95.6% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +66.3% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +49.1% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +38.4% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +38.3% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +8.7% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +8.6% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Alabama?
- Physical therapists in Alabama earn a median salary of $97,040 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is about 2.8% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Alabama?
- Physical therapist salaries in Alabama range from $68,030 on the lower end to $128,810 on the higher end, representing a significant difference based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is physical therapy a well-paying job in Alabama?
- Yes, physical therapy is a well-compensated profession in Alabama with a median salary of $97,040 annually. While this is slightly below the national average, it remains a strong-paying career with substantial earning potential up to $128,810.
How many physical therapists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 2,750 physical therapists currently employed in Alabama, indicating a stable and established job market for the profession in the state.