Introduction
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who help people maintain, improve, and restore movement and function. Their primary focus is on musculoskeletal health, but they may work with patients of all ages who have a wide range of conditions. Physical therapists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients using therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, and other interventions.
This article will provide an overview of physical therapist salaries in the United States. It will discuss average annual salaries, other forms of compensation, and factors that affect earning potential. It will also compare salaries across the country and explore how education impacts physical therapist salaries. Finally, it will look at the highest-paying physical therapy jobs and salaries in different settings.
A Comprehensive Guide to Physical Therapist Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapists in the United States was $88,880 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,740.
Physical therapists may also receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing. According to PayScale, the average total pay for physical therapists in the US is $92,845 per year. This includes base salary, tips, commissions, overtime pay, and other forms of compensation.
What Factors Determine Physical Therapist Earnings?
Several factors influence physical therapist salaries, including:
Education Requirements
Most physical therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which requires a minimum of seven years of postsecondary education. Those with a master’s degree may earn a higher salary than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Work Experience
Physical therapists with more years of experience typically earn higher salaries. Those with specialized training in a certain area may also be able to command higher salaries.
Specializations
Physical therapists may specialize in areas such as orthopedics, sports medicine, geriatrics, neurology, pediatrics, or women’s health. Those who specialize in a certain area may be able to earn a higher salary than those who do not.
Location
Physical therapist salaries vary by region. For example, physical therapists in California tend to earn higher salaries than those in other states. In addition, rural areas tend to pay lower salaries than urban areas.
Employer
Physical therapists who work for hospitals, universities, and large medical practices tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller clinics or private practice offices.
A Comparison of Physical Therapist Salaries Across the Country
According to the BLS, the states with the highest physical therapist salaries in 2018 were Nevada ($118,630), Alaska ($116,140), New Jersey ($115,980), California ($113,510), and Connecticut ($112,500). The states with the lowest salaries were Arkansas ($82,070), Mississippi ($83,350), West Virginia ($85,420), Georgia ($86,420), and Alabama ($87,170).
How Does Education Impact Physical Therapist Salaries?
The level of education a physical therapist has can impact their salary. According to PayScale, physical therapists with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree earn an average of $93,939 per year. Those with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree earn an average of $90,940 per year, while those with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy (BSPT) degree earn an average of $78,000 per year.
The Benefits of Working as a Physical Therapist
In addition to the financial rewards of working as a physical therapist, there are several other benefits. Job security is one of the biggest advantages, as physical therapists are in high demand due to the aging population and increasing rates of chronic conditions. Physical therapists also have the chance to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them regain mobility and reduce pain.
What Are the Highest Paying Physical Therapy Jobs?
The highest-paying physical therapy jobs include hospital-based physical therapists, who earn an average of $98,000 per year; private practice physical therapists, who earn an average of $97,000 per year; and home health physical therapists, who earn an average of $94,000 per year. Other high-paying jobs include outpatient physical therapists ($90,000 per year), pediatric physical therapists ($89,000 per year), and geriatric physical therapists ($87,000 per year).
How Much Do Physical Therapists Make in Different Settings?
Physical therapists may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, home health agencies, and fitness centers. Salaries vary depending on the setting, with hospital-based physical therapists typically earning the highest salaries.
Physical therapists in hospital settings earn an average of $95,000 per year, according to PayScale. Private practice physical therapists earn an average of $91,000 per year, while those in rehabilitation centers earn an average of $84,000 per year. Physical therapists in nursing homes earn an average of $80,000 per year, while those in home health agencies earn an average of $76,000 per year. Physical therapists in schools and fitness centers earn an average of $75,000 per year.
Conclusion
Physical therapists play an important role in helping people recover from injuries and illnesses. They are in high demand due to the aging population and increasing rates of chronic conditions. Physical therapist salaries vary based on factors such as education, work experience, specializations, location, and employer. The average annual salary for physical therapists in the US is $88,880, and they may also receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing. Physical therapists in hospital settings tend to earn the highest salaries, followed by those in private practice and rehabilitation centers.
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