How much does a physical therapist make?
a year · about $49 an hour
A typical physical therapist in the United States makes $102,760 a year, about $49 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A PT checks a patient's history and watches them stand or walk, then guides exercises, stretches, or hands-on treatment. They record progress, adjust the plan, and explain what to expect during recovery.
Did you know? A U.S. Air Force physical therapist works with NASA astronauts on injury prevention and recovery before, during, and after spaceflight.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $77,140 and $135,140How do you become one?
Most U.S. students earn a bachelor’s degree, then complete a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, usually about three years. They pass the NPTE and get a license from the state where they plan to work.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with experience, location, and work setting—home care, hospitals, and clinics show different pay patterns. Specialty training or certification and working more or fewer hours can also make a difference; many PTs work full time, but part-time work is common.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($124,190), lowest in North Dakota ($85,330).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $77,140 | $102,760 | $135,140 | about 267,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $124,190 | about 27,000 |
| Alaska | $115,280 | about 680 |
| New Jersey | $112,140 | about 10,000 |
| Nevada | $111,250 | about 2,000 |
| Maryland | $106,890 | about 4,000 |
Official definition: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
- www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/becoming-a-pt
- www.apta.org/your-career/careers-in-physical-therapy/workforce-data
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1123.00
- www.fsbpt.org/secondary-pages/exam-candidates/national-exam-npte
- www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Display/Article/3921848/nasa-honors-air-force-p
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY