Physical Therapist Salary in 2026
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions through exercise, manual therapy, and movement training. They restore mobility and reduce pain.
Median Salary
$90,000
$7,500/mo
Entry Level
$74,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$117,000
experienced
Job Growth
+17%
10-yr outlook
Physical Therapist Overview
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions through exercise, manual therapy, and movement training. They restore mobility and reduce pain.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
260K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$43.27/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,500
Physical Therapist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Physical Therapist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Physical Therapist Salary
$102,000
$8,500/month · $3,923/biweekly · $49.04/hr
Physical Therapist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Physical Therapist field.
Entry-level Physical Therapists earn around $74,000, while the top 10% earn $128,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Physical Therapists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $106,000 | +$16,000 |
| New York | $103,000 | +$13,000 |
| Illinois | $94,000 | +$4,000 |
| Texas | $88,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $88,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $106,000 | +$16,000 |
| Los Angeles | $101,000 | +$11,000 |
| Chicago | $95,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $92,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $89,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Physical Therapist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Physical Therapist from entry level to expert.
$74,000
0-2 years
$96,000
3-7 years
$117,000
8-14 years
$140,000
15+ years
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Physical Therapist Salary FAQ
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