Physical Therapist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 610+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$101,640
$48.87/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
+0.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $129K
610 employed in District of Columbia
Physical therapists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,640 per year, which aligns with the national average. The salary range spans from $85,620 to $129,470 annually, reflecting variation based on experience and specialization. Currently, approximately 610 physical therapists work in the district, contributing to a robust healthcare workforce in the region.
Several factors influence physical therapist salary in District of Columbia, including years of clinical experience, educational credentials, and employer type. Work setting—whether in hospitals, private practices, or rehabilitation clinics—significantly impacts compensation. Additionally, demand for specialized services and local cost of living adjustments may affect earning potential. Geographic proximity to major medical institutions and patient population density also play roles in determining salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,620 |
| 25th percentile | $95,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,640 |
| 75th percentile | $128,750 |
| 90th percentile | $129,470 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,180 |
| 2023 | $100,850 |
| 2024 | $100,760 |
| 2025 | $101,640 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,528 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,180 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $100,850 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $100,760 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $101,640 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,528 | $102,505 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,640 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,470 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Physical Therapist ($101,640 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +213.1% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +161.5% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +129.6% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +119.6% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +99.3% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +80.1% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +79.5% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +52.6% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +50.9% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +35.0% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +33.7% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +33.0% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Washington DC?
- Physical therapists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $101,640 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This matches the national average, with salaries typically ranging from $85,620 to $129,470 depending on experience and employer.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in DC?
- The salary range for physical therapists in District of Columbia spans from $85,620 at the lower end to $129,470 at the higher end. The median salary of $101,640 represents the midpoint of this range.
Is the physical therapist salary in DC higher than the national average?
- No, the physical therapist salary in District of Columbia matches the national average exactly at +0.0%. The median salary of $101,640 is aligned with what physical therapists earn nationally.
How many physical therapists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 610 physical therapists currently employed in District of Columbia, representing the total employed workforce in this profession within the region.