Physical therapist salaries vary by state, practice setting, and experience. BLS May 2023 data shows mean annual wages ranging from about $93,200 to $122,580 across states.
The average physical therapist salary varies significantly by state
A state with a higher salary is not automatically the best financial choice for every PT. Housing, transportation, demand, benefits, schedule, and practice setting can all affect how far that salary goes and what a position is ultimately worth.
This guide compares physical therapist salaries across all 50 states, highlights the highest- and lowest-paying locations, and looks at how practice setting and cost of living can influence earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, physical therapists had a mean annual wage of $100,440 and a mean hourly wage of $48.29 in May 2023.
The median annual wage was slightly lower at $99,710, while the top 10% of physical therapists earned more than $130,870. The BLS calculates annual wage estimates using 2,080 hours for year-round, full-time employment.
For additional current context, the BLS reported a median annual wage of $101,020 in May 2024 and projects physical therapist employment to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average.
The following table uses the BLS May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics state data for Physical Therapists, occupation code 29-1123. The annual figures represent mean wages rather than median salaries.
| State | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48.17 | $100,190 |
| Alaska | $55.69 | $115,830 |
| Arizona | $51.62 | $107,360 |
| Arkansas | $47.17 | $98,120 |
| California | $58.93 | $122,580 |
| Colorado | $49.94 | $103,870 |
| Connecticut | $50.70 | $105,460 |
| Delaware | $52.15 | $108,470 |
| Florida | $47.36 | $98,510 |
| Georgia | $49.63 | $103,240 |
| Hawaii | $48.58 | $101,050 |
| Idaho | $46.55 | $96,830 |
| Illinois | $52.44 | $109,080 |
| Indiana | $49.16 | $102,240 |
| Iowa | $45.57 | $94,780 |
| Kansas | $45.94 | $95,540 |
| Kentucky | $47.69 | $99,190 |
| Louisiana | $46.76 | $97,250 |
| Maine | $47.09 | $97,950 |
| Maryland | $53.22 | $110,700 |
| Massachusetts | $51.40 | $106,900 |
| Michigan | $48.38 | $100,630 |
| Minnesota | $49.15 | $102,240 |
| Mississippi | $46.56 | $96,850 |
| Missouri | $47.45 | $98,700 |
| Montana | $44.92 | $93,440 |
| Nebraska | $46.10 | $95,890 |
| Nevada | $58.03 | $120,700 |
| New Hampshire | $47.32 | $98,420 |
| New Jersey | $55.07 | $114,550 |
| New Mexico | $52.91 | $110,060 |
| New York | $49.39 | $102,740 |
| North Carolina | $48.08 | $100,010 |
| North Dakota | $44.46 | $92,480 |
| Ohio | $49.39 | $102,740 |
| Oklahoma | $46.89 | $97,520 |
| Oregon | $51.21 | $106,510 |
| Pennsylvania | $48.87 | $101,650 |
| Rhode Island | $49.29 | $102,520 |
| South Carolina | $47.17 | $98,100 |
| South Dakota | $44.81 | $93,200 |
| Tennessee | $47.24 | $98,260 |
| Texas | $52.53 | $109,270 |
| Utah | $47.98 | $99,790 |
| Vermont | $46.09 | $95,870 |
| Virginia | $50.03 | $104,070 |
| Washington | $52.19 | $108,550 |
| West Virginia | $46.58 | $96,880 |
| Wisconsin | $49.14 | $102,210 |
| Wyoming | $47.83 | $99,480 |
California had the highest mean physical therapist salary in the May 2023 BLS state data at $122,580 per year, followed by Nevada at $120,700 and Alaska at $115,830.
California had the highest mean PT salary at $122,580 per year, equivalent to $58.93 per hour. The state also employed more than 25,000 physical therapists in the BLS data, making it one of the largest PT employment markets in the country.
Nevada followed with a mean salary of $120,700 per year, or $58.03 per hour.
Alaska reported a mean salary of $115,830, with an average hourly wage of $55.69.
Physical therapists in New Jersey had a mean annual wage of $114,550, or $55.07 per hour.
New Mexico reported a mean annual salary of $110,060, while Texas and Maryland were also above $109,000 and $110,000 respectively.
A higher state average can make these markets attractive, but salary should not be evaluated without considering local expenses and available job opportunities.
The lowest mean salaries in the BLS state data were:
A lower statewide average does not necessarily mean a poor career market. PTs may find competitive benefits, lower housing costs, less commuting, or strong demand in individual cities and rural areas.
Where a PT works can have a meaningful effect on compensation. The BLS May 2023 industry data shows substantial differences between several major settings.
| Practice Setting | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Outpatient Care Centers | $123,900 |
| Home Health Care Services | $116,500 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $104,520 |
| Skilled Nursing Facilities | $101,200 |
| Offices of Physicians | $95,730 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $92,620 |
These figures represent industry-level mean wages, not guaranteed salaries for every PT working in that setting.
Outpatient care centers reported a mean annual wage of $123,900 in the BLS May 2023 industry data, making this one of the highest-paying listed industries.
Outpatient PTs may treat orthopedic injuries, sports injuries, chronic pain, and mobility conditions. Work schedules can also vary significantly between employers, so compensation should be considered alongside patient volume, productivity expectations, and benefits.
Home health services reported a mean annual wage of $116,500. Home health PTs provide care in patients’ homes and may have greater independence than clinicians working in facility-based settings.
The American Physical Therapy Association’s home health resources describe home health as an important area of physical therapy practice across the continuum of care.
General medical and surgical hospitals reported a mean annual wage of $104,520 in the BLS data.
Hospital PTs can work across acute care and rehabilitation environments and may treat patients with complex medical needs.
Skilled nursing facilities reported a mean annual PT wage of $101,200.
This setting can involve rehabilitation for patients recovering from illness, surgery, injury, or changes in mobility and function. The patient population and workload can differ substantially from outpatient practice.
Travel PT compensation is more difficult to compare using standard BLS salary data because packages can include taxable wages, housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and other benefits.
For that reason, candidates comparing travel opportunities should look at the total compensation package, not simply the advertised hourly rate.
Yes. Salary alone does not tell the whole financial story.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities data measures differences in price levels across states. In 2024, for example, California had an all-items regional price parity of 110.7, compared with 86.9 in Arkansas.
That means a PT should compare salary and purchasing power, rather than simply choosing the state with the largest number.
When evaluating a job offer, consider:
A slightly lower salary can sometimes provide greater purchasing power when paired with a lower cost of living and a strong benefits package.
Geographic location is only one part of salary growth. PTs can also consider opportunities that expand their responsibilities, expertise, or earning structure.
Experience in areas such as orthopedics, sports, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, or acute care can help PTs qualify for specialized positions.
Post-professional education and credentials can support career advancement. APTA’s 2025 income report found that post-professional credentials, including board certification, fellowships, and advanced degrees, were associated with higher PT incomes.
A PT who has primarily worked in outpatient care may find that home health, hospital, or another setting offers a different compensation structure.
The best option depends on more than salary. Caseload, schedule, autonomy, travel requirements, and benefits can all influence whether a position is a good career move.
Experienced PTs can also pursue roles involving clinical leadership, management, education, or other responsibilities.
TAG MedStaffing connects NYC physical therapists with leading employers across the five boroughs.
Search Physical Therapist JobsThe BLS reported a $100,440 mean annual wage for physical therapists in May 2023. The median was $99,710.
California had the highest mean PT salary in the May 2023 state data at $122,580 per year.
State salaries vary considerably. In the May 2023 BLS data, mean annual wages ranged from $92,480 in North Dakota to $122,580 in California.
BLS industry data showed higher mean wages for outpatient care centers than general medical and surgical hospitals in May 2023, at $123,900 versus $104,520.
Yes. The BLS May 2023 data shows a national mean salary of $100,440, and several states reported mean salaries above $100,000.
Yes. The BLS projects 11% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 13,200 openings projected each year on average.
We connect healthcare physical therapists and specialty roles — with leading hospital systems and outpatient employers across the US.
Skip the Search
Send us your resume, and we'll find the jobs that are the best match for you.
Submit ResumeReady to advance your career? Explore our job openings or connect with our healthcare recruiters today. Your future starts here!
Search Physical Therapy Jobs
