Physical Therapist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 3K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$100,710
$48.42/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $127K
3K employed in Kentucky
Physical Therapist salary in Kentucky averages $100,710 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national average at 1% lower. With approximately 3,390 physical therapists employed throughout Kentucky, the profession offers competitive earnings within a reasonable salary range of $73,900 to $126,920 per year for practitioners at different career stages.
Several factors influence physical therapist compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Therapists employed in hospitals or specialized clinics may earn differently than those in private practice or outpatient facilities. Geographic location within the state, patient population density, and individual credentials also play significant roles in determining where salaries fall within the state's overall range.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,900 |
| 25th percentile | $80,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,710 |
| 75th percentile | $114,820 |
| 90th percentile | $126,920 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,710 |
| 2023 | $88,640 |
| 2024 | $97,500 |
| 2025 | $100,710 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,026 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,710 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $88,640 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $97,500 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $100,710 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,026 | $104,964 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,710 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $114,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,920 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Physical Therapist ($100,710 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +454.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +245.5% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +214.9% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +178.0% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +147.0% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +139.8% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +136.1% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +121.0% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +99.8% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +74.5% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +68.2% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +61.0% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Kentucky?
- Physical therapists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $100,710 per year, or $48 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a -0.9% difference from the national median.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Kentucky?
- Physical therapist salaries in Kentucky range from $73,900 on the lower end to $126,920 on the upper end, reflecting the variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many physical therapists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 3,390 physical therapists employed throughout Kentucky, making it a meaningful portion of the healthcare workforce in the state.
Is Kentucky's physical therapist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median physical therapist salary of $100,710 is slightly below the national average, with a difference of -0.9%, making it a relatively competitive market for the profession.