Physical Therapist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 3K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$99,010
$47.60/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-2.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $127K
3K employed in Arkansas
Physical therapist salary in Arkansas averages $99,010 per year, with employment currently supporting approximately 2,680 workers throughout the state. This median reflects competitive compensation for licensed professionals in the healthcare sector, though it falls about 3% below the national average. Understanding these figures provides valuable insight into earning potential for practitioners considering or advancing their careers in Arkansas.
Several factors influence physical therapist salary in Arkansas, including years of clinical experience, specialized certifications, and practice setting. Employment type—whether in hospitals, private clinics, or rehabilitation facilities—significantly impacts earning potential. Geographic location within the state, patient volume, and individual credentials all contribute to salary variations, with experienced therapists and those in high-demand areas typically earning toward the upper range of $127,210 annually.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,050 |
| 25th percentile | $81,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,010 |
| 75th percentile | $111,470 |
| 90th percentile | $127,210 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,180 |
| 2023 | $93,880 |
| 2024 | $96,840 |
| 2025 | $99,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,229 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,180 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $93,880 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $96,840 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $99,010 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,229 | $103,895 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,210 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Physical Therapist ($99,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +157.5% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +135.5% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +126.5% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +118.0% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +80.7% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +62.0% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +37.4% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +26.9% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +26.0% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +25.7% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +19.6% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +8.8% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Arkansas?
- Physical therapists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $99,010 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a 2.6% difference.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Arkansas?
- Physical therapist salaries in Arkansas range from $73,050 at the lower end to $127,210 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience and employer.
How many physical therapists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are currently 2,680 physical therapists employed in Arkansas, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.
Is the physical therapist salary in Arkansas competitive compared to the national average?
- Arkansas physical therapist salaries are slightly below the national average at 2.6% lower, though the median salary of $99,010 remains competitive within the state's healthcare job market.