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Physical Therapist salary
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain, often after surgery or injury.
Median annual
$99,000
Median hourly
$48
Top 10% earn
$130,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$72,000
Median$99,000
Top 10%$130,000
Physical Therapist salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $76,300 | $37 | -23% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $89,100 | $43 | -10% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $103,900 | $50 | +5% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $121,800 | $59 | +23% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified physical therapists, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and state licensure.
Job outlook
14% growth through 2033 — much faster than average.
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