Physical Therapist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 5K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$100,140
$48.14/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $128K
5K employed in Tennessee
The median Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee is $100,140 per year, with a typical range between $67,280 and $127,500. This figure places Tennessee's average salary for the profession at 1% below the national average, with approximately 4,800 individuals employed in this vital healthcare role across the state.
Several factors can influence a Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee. Experience level, the specific setting of employment (such as a hospital, private clinic, or school), and geographic location within Tennessee can all contribute to variations in earning potential. Advanced certifications and specialized skills may also command higher compensation for Physical Therapists.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $67,280 |
| 25th percentile | $80,930 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,140 |
| 75th percentile | $111,140 |
| 90th percentile | $127,500 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,380 |
| 2023 | $98,690 |
| 2024 | $100,660 |
| 2025 | $100,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,140 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,380 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $98,690 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $100,660 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $100,140 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,140 | $101,618 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,930 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,500 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Physical Therapist ($100,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +509.2% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +273.0% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +254.1% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +230.2% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +131.9% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +126.5% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +115.0% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +114.6% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +112.2% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +111.2% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +76.0% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +34.0% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Tennessee is $100,140 per year, which equates to approximately $48 per hour. This means that half of all Physical Therapists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How much can a Physical Therapist in Tennessee expect to make?
- Physical Therapists in Tennessee typically earn between $67,280 and $127,500 annually. The specific amount depends on factors like experience, location within Tennessee, and the type of healthcare setting.
Is the salary for Physical Therapists in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for Physical Therapists in Tennessee is approximately 1.5% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, Tennessee offers slightly less competitive compensation compared to the rest of the country.
How many Physical Therapists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 4,800 Physical Therapists employed across the state of Tennessee. This figure indicates a significant number of professionals working in this field within the state.