According to the BLS, physical therapists earn an average of $102,760 per year in the U.S. But if you are considering your next PT job, the salary is only part of the picture.
Where you work, your experience, and the practice setting can all affect how much you earn and what your career opportunities look like. A higher salary may be appealing, but factors like housing, transportation, benefits, schedule, workload, and demand can also shape the value of a position.
So, where can physical therapists earn the most? And how much can you expect to make in your state?
In this guide, we’ll compare physical therapist salaries across the U.S., highlight the highest- and lowest-paying states, and look at how practice setting can influence earning potential.
According to the BLS, physical therapists earn a yearly average of $102,760 or $49.40 per hour.
The median annual wage was slightly lower at $77,140, while the top 10% of physical therapists earned more than $135,140. Just to get things in perspective, the BLS calculates annual wage estimates using 2,080 hours for year-round, full-time employment.
Let’s take a closer look at average annual salaries and hourly pay across the states.
| Location | Yearly Hourly Pay | Median Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $97,290 | $46.77 |
| Alaska | $115,280 | $55.43 |
| Arizona | $103,220 | $49.62 |
| Arkansas | $99,010 | $47.60 |
| California | $124,190 | $59.71 |
| Colorado | $102,030 | $49.05 |
| Connecticut | $104,360 | $50.17 |
| Delaware | $102,050 | $49.06 |
| District of Columbia | $101,640 | $48.87 |
| Florida | $101,040 | $48.58 |
| Georgia | $102,700 | $49.38 |
| Hawaii | $101,700 | $48.90 |
| Idaho | $99,000 | $47.60 |
| Illinois | $105,250 | $50.60 |
| Indiana | $101,560 | $48.83 |
| Iowa | $97,560 | $46.90 |
| Kansas | $98,290 | $47.25 |
| Kentucky | $100,710 | $48.42 |
| Louisiana | $98,530 | $47.37 |
| Maine | $99,720 | $47.94 |
| Maryland | $106,890 | $51.39 |
| Massachusetts | $103,790 | $49.90 |
| Michigan | $100,900 | $48.51 |
| Minnesota | $102,010 | $49.04 |
| Mississippi | $99,990 | $48.07 |
| Missouri | $99,310 | $47.75 |
| Montana | $91,450 | $43.97 |
| Nebraska | $97,090 | $46.68 |
| Nevada | $111,250 | $53.48 |
| New Hampshire | $99,850 | $48.01 |
| New Jersey | $112,140 | $53.91 |
| New Mexico | $106,880 | $51.38 |
| New York | $100,660 | $48.39 |
| North Carolina | $99,910 | $48.03 |
| North Dakota | $85,330 | $41.02 |
| Ohio | $103,050 | $49.54 |
| Oklahoma | $98,590 | $47.40 |
| Oregon | $103,510 | $49.77 |
| Pennsylvania | $101,380 | $48.74 |
| Rhode Island | $99,400 | $47.79 |
| South Carolina | $101,330 | $48.72 |
| South Dakota | $92,660 | $44.55 |
| Tennessee | $100,140 | $48.15 |
| Texas | $105,810 | $50.87 |
| Utah | $99,880 | $48.02 |
| Vermont | $97,970 | $47.10 |
| Virginia | $101,450 | $48.78 |
| Washington | $105,950 |
California has the highest physical therapist salary at $124,190 per year, followed by Alaska at $115,280 and New Jersey at $112,140.
A higher state average can make these markets attractive, but salary should not be evaluated without considering local expenses and available job opportunities.
The states reporting the lowest salaries are:
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 physical therapist works can have a meaningful effect on compensation.
| Practice Setting | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hospital | $106,800 |
| Nursing & Residential Care Facilities | $110,460 |
| Home Health Services | $114,740 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $123,900 |
| Travel Physical Therapy | $135,233 |
Keep in mind that these are average wages for the industry, not the salary every PT earns in that setting.
General medical and surgical hospitals reported a mean annual wage of $106,800 in 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 $110,460, according to the BLS.
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.
Home health services reported a mean annual wage of $114,740, making this one of the highest-paying listed industries. Home health PTs provide care in patients’ homes and may have greater independence than clinicians working in facility-based settings.
The APTA describe home health as an important area of physical therapy practice across the continuum of care.
Outpatient care centers reported an annual average of $123,900 according to the BLS report.
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.
Travel PT compensation is $135,233 per year according to ZipRecruiter 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 Economic Analysis Regional Price 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 physical therapists can also pursue roles involving clinical leadership, management, education, or other responsibilities.
A physical therapist’s salary can vary widely depending on where you work, your experience, and the type of care you provide. While salary is an important part of a job search, it is also important to look at the complete compensation package and how a position fits your career goals.
Whether you’re an experienced PT exploring a new opportunity or looking for a position in a different practice setting, understanding salary trends can help you make informed career decisions. Explore physical therapy opportunities that match your experience, skills, and professional goals.
TAG MedStaffing connects physical therapists with leading employers across the country.
Search Physical Therapist JobsAccording to the BLS data cited in this guide, physical therapists earn an average of $102,760 per year, or about $49.40 per hour.
Among the states listed in this guide, California has the highest mean physical therapist salary at $124,190 per year, followed by Alaska at $115,280 and New Jersey at $112,140.
Among the states listed, North Dakota has the lowest mean physical therapist salary at $85,330 per year.
Yes. Compensation can vary by practice setting. The salary figures in this guide range from $106,800 for hospital PTs to $135,233 for travel physical therapists, based on the sources cited.
Yes. Physical therapists may explore specialized experience, advanced credentials, leadership roles, or different practice settings to expand their career and earning opportunities.
Not necessarily. Housing costs, transportation, benefits, schedule, workload, and other expenses can affect how far a salary goes. Comparing the full compensation package and cost of living can provide a better picture of an opportunity.
Factors can include location, experience, practice setting, specialization, credentials, responsibilities, and employer benefits. Demand for physical therapists can also vary between markets.
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