Physical Therapist Salary
by City (2026)
Help patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions through targeted physical rehabilitation. National median: $95K/year. See how your city compares.
Physical Therapist salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $95K Physical Therapist salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βPhysical Therapist Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Physical Therapist is $95,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $75,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $115,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Physical Therapists nationally earn $140,000+.
Education and requirements
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This role is 10% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Physical Therapist compensation is growing at 3.2% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Physical Therapist salary FAQ
How much does a Physical Therapist make?
The median Physical Therapist salary in the US is $95,000 per year β about $46/hour. Most earn between $75,000 (25th percentile) and $115,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist?
Entry-level Physical Therapist positions typically start around $75,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Physical Therapists earn?
The top 10% of Physical Therapists earn $140,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Physical Therapists the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Physical Therapist salary at $133K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Physical Therapist salaries going up?
Yes β Physical Therapist pay is growing about 3.2% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.