How much does a physical therapist make?
Answer: A typical physical therapist in the United States makes $102,760 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 267,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Physical therapist pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a physical therapist do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.
Did you know?
A U.S. Air Force physical therapist works with NASA astronauts on injury prevention and recovery before, during, and after spaceflight.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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