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
Related Healthcare Jobs
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ
How much does a Physical Therapist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the United States is $90,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $74,000, while senior professionals earn up to $117,000. Top earners in the field can make $140,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Physical Therapist?
A Physical Therapist typically requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Gait Analysis. Relevant certifications such as NPTE or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Physical Therapists?
The job market for Physical Therapists is projected to grow by 17% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 260K Physical Therapist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Physical Therapists the most?
The highest-paying states for Physical Therapists include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $106,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary?
To increase your Physical Therapist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Manual Therapy and Exercise Prescription. Pursue certifications such as NPTE. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $74,000 to $117,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Physical Therapist Salary
How we calculate Physical Therapist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $90,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Physical Therapist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($74,000) and senior-level ($117,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +17% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 260K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $90,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Physical Therapist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physical Therapist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Physical Therapist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Gait Analysis), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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