How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make? (2025)
Whether you're considering becoming a physical therapist or hiring one, understanding physical therapist salary trends and job outlook helps with better decision-making.
As of August 1, 2025, physical therapists in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $105,801, or about $51 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physical therapists have a projected job growth of 14% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Continue reading to learn what physical therapists do, how physical therapy salaries vary, and which factors influence their earning potential.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist (PT) is responsible for helping patients manage pain, restore function, and improve mobility, particularly for those with mobility-related injuries, chronic conditions, or movement dysfunction. Their work involves assessing patients' conditions, developing treatment plans, and using techniques like therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and physical therapy equipment to relieve pain, optimize quality of life, and support active lifestyles.
Physical therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, nursing homes, and home healthcare services, often focusing on preventive care, rehabilitation, or specialty areas like orthopedics, women's health, or wound management.
They collaborate with patients, mentor physical therapy students or recent graduates, and may supervise assistants. PTs also educate patients on managing conditions to prevent further injury or disease, tailoring plans to individual needs, such as those of aging baby boomers or athletes.
The role typically requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, state licensure, and often board certification in specialty areas. Physical therapists must have strong knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation techniques.
What is Physical Therapist Overview?
As of August 1, 2025, the average physical therapist salary in the United States is $105,801 per year, or $51 per hour.
Based on our data, physical therapist salaries range from $86,314 to $125,288 per year, with most earnings reported between $95,601 and $116,001. The average physical therapy salary per month is $8,817.
Physical therapists typically earn an average of $51 per hour, with rates ranging from $41 to $60. Their average weekly pay is $2,035 and usually falls between $1,838 and $2,231.
2025 Physical Therapist Average Salary: $105,801 per year ($51 per hour)
The core median salary for physical therapists, including bonuses, is $105,001 per year. This varies by percentile, as shown below:
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $88,189 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,201 |
| 50th Percentile | $105,001 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,301 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,768 |
The average total compensation for physical therapists is $143,563, based on our report. This includes benefits such as healthcare ($6,056), time off ($12,923), and Social Security ($8,033), which make up 26.3% of the total pay.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component | Median | % of Total |
| Base Salary | $105,801 | 73.7% |
| Bonus | -$800 | -0.6% |
| Social Security | $8,033 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $4,935 | 3.4% |
| Disability | $840 | 0.6% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 4.2% |
| Pension | $5,775 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $12,923 | 9.0% |
| Total Compensation | $143,563 | 100% |
What Can Affect Physical Therapist Salaries?
The salary of physical therapists varies based on several factors, including experience, location, education, and skills. Here's a closer look at each factor:
By Experience Level
According to our report, physical therapists with less than one year of experience earn an average of $102,552 per year. Those with eight or more years of experience typically earn around $110,468 per year.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Physical Therapist | $102,552 |
| Intermediate Level Physical Therapist | $103,313 |
| Senior Level Physical Therapist | $106,662 |
| Specialist Level Physical Therapist | $109,707 |
| Expert Level Physical Therapist | $110,468 |
By Geographic Location
Physical therapy salaries in the United States vary by location due to factors like cost of living, local economy, and industry activity.
For example, among major cities, San Jose offers the highest average physical therapist salary at $133,401 per year, while cities like Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $101,601 and $104,401 per year, respectively. Top-paying states include California ($116,601), District of Columbia ($117,101), and Massachusetts ($115,101).
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $119,401 | $133,401 | $150,401 |
| San Francisco, California | $118,101 | $132,101 | $149,101 |
| Washington, D.C. | $104,501 | $117,101 | $132,101 |
| Miami, Florida | $90,901 | $101,601 | $114,601 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $97,601 | $109,301 | $123,301 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $105,301 | $117,901 | $132,901 |
| New York, New York | $109,401 | $122,601 | $138,601 |
| Dallas, Texas | $93,301 | $104,401 | $117,401 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for physical therapists. According to our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report, those with exercise physiology skills earn 9.56% more, while those with therapeutic care skills see a 9.00% boost. The demand for these skills is 10.30% and 10.60%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology | +9.56% | 10.30% |
| Therapeutic Care | +9.00% | 10.60% |
| Safety, Injury Prevention, and Emergency Procedures | +8.27% | 10.50% |
| Healthcare Data Privacy and Protection | +8.16% | 10.70% |
| Patient Safety | +8.00% | 10.60% |
| Physical Therapy Equipment Operation | +7.97% | 10.60% |
How to Become a Physical Therapist
If you're a prospective student planning to become a physical therapist, here's what you need to know to prepare for this rewarding career path.
- Get education: Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). DPT programs typically last 3 years and require a bachelor's degree with prerequisites like anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Most programs use the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) for applications. Coursework includes biomechanics, neuroscience, and pharmacology, with clinical work in areas like acute care and orthopedics.
- Gain experience and training: After earning a DPT, physical therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination for licensure. Some pursue 1-year residency programs for additional training in specialty areas like sports or geriatrics. Fellowships offer further specialization. Gaining experience in diverse work settings, such as hospitals, private practice, or home health, enhances career prospects and future income.
- Develop essential skills: Physical therapists should cultivate expertise in high-demand areas to enhance their practice and earning potential. Proficiency in exercise physiology, therapeutic care, and safety, injury prevention, and emergency procedures is crucial for effective patient diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, skills in healthcare data privacy and protection, patient safety, and physical therapy equipment operation are highly valued, supporting comprehensive care and addressing chronic conditions or mobility-related injuries.
FAQs about Physical Therapists
Here are some common questions about physical therapist salaries and careers:
Is physical therapist a high-paying position?
Yes, physical therapy is a well-compensated career, with a median wage of $103,601 and top earners exceeding $112,501 annually. The role is in high demand due to aging baby boomers, active lifestyles, and the need for rehabilitation services.
Who earns more, physical therapists or speech therapists?
Physical therapists generally earn more than speech therapists. PT salaries range from $95,101 to $112,501 (median: $103,601), while speech therapists typically earn less, though specific wages depend on location and experience.
What is the job outlook for physical therapists?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% employment growth for physical therapists from 2023 to 2033, driven by demand in rehabilitation, home healthcare services, and care for aging populations. About 13,600 openings are expected annually.
