Physical Therapist Salaries: How Much Do They Make?

Physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the United States. It is a sought-after career choice for those who want to help others regain physical strength and mobility. Some people may wonder how much a physical therapist can make in this field. Well, the answer is, it varies. There are a number of factors that can impact a physical therapist’s salary.

First and foremost, geographical location can greatly affect a physical therapist’s earnings. Clinics in metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries than those in rural areas. Additionally, experience level, skill set, and education level can also impact a physical therapist’s salary. Most physical therapists hold a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) and have undergone extensive training, making them a valuable asset to any healthcare team. In this article, we’ll explore how much physical therapists can earn in the U.S., and what factors can influence their earnings.

How Much Do Physical Therapists Earn?

Physical therapy is a rewarding profession that enables practitioners to promote healing, ease pain, and restore mobility in patients. However, like any profession, one of the primary questions that aspiring physical therapists may have is how much money they can make in this field. This article outlines the average incomes for physical therapists, as well as some factors that can affect how much they earn.

1. National Average Salaries for Physical Therapists

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists in May 2020 was $91,010. This means that 50% of physical therapists earned more than this amount, while 50% earned less.

2. Factors Affecting Physical Therapy Salaries

There are numerous factors that can determine how much a physical therapist earns. Some of these include their level of education, the geographic location where they work, their years of experience, and the type of facility where they work.

3. Education Levels and Physical Therapy Salaries

In general, physical therapists with higher levels of education tend to earn higher salaries. For example, those with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree typically earn more than those with only a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

4. Geographic Location and Physical Therapy Salaries

Geographic location can also play a role in physical therapy salaries. For example, physical therapists who work in metropolitan areas may earn more than those who work in rural areas. This is because the cost of living tends to be higher in urban areas, and salaries often reflect this.

5. Physical Therapy Salaries by Years of Experience

Experience is another significant factor in determining physical therapy salaries. In general, physical therapists with more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just starting in the field.

6. Salaries Based on Type of Facility

Physical therapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. Salaries can vary depending on the type of facility where they work, as well as the geographic location.

7. Physical Therapy Salaries by State

Some states pay physical therapists more than others. For example, California, Nevada, and New Jersey have some of the highest average salaries for physical therapists, while states like Montana, South Carolina, and Wyoming have lower salaries on average.

8. Physical Therapy Salaries by Employer

Physical therapists can work for a range of employers, including hospitals, private practices, schools, and government agencies. In general, those who work for larger facilities and organizations tend to earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller businesses.

9. Job Outlook for Physical Therapists

Overall, the job outlook for physical therapists is favorable. With an aging population and an increased focus on preventive care, demand for physical therapists is projected to grow faster than average through 2029.

10. Conclusion

In summary, physical therapy can be a lucrative profession for those who are passionate about helping others improve their quality of life. While salaries can vary depending on a range of factors, including education, experience, location, and employer, the field overall offers a promising career path with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Factors that Affect a Physical Therapist’s Salary

Physical therapy is a lucrative profession that can provide an exciting and rewarding career. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an annual median salary of $89,440 for physical therapists as of May 2020. However, like in any other profession, several factors can influence a physical therapist’s salary. In this section, we’ll explore the various factors that affect a physical therapist’s salary.

Education and Credentials

Physical therapists typically need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to practice. However, those with a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Bachelor of Physical Therapy (BPT) degree can still practice as long as they are licensed. A higher degree of education and credentials can increase your salary and open up more job opportunities.

Experience

Experience is a crucial factor that influences a physical therapist’s salary. As with any profession, the more experienced you are, the better your earning potential. With experience, physical therapists can gain skills and knowledge that lead to job promotions, better salaries, and opportunities to work in highly specialized areas.

Specialty Area

Specialization in a particular area of physical therapy can significantly impact your salary. According to the BLS, the highest paying industries for physical therapists in 2020 were home healthcare services, nursing care facilities, and specialty hospitals. Physical therapists who work in these areas often earn higher wages due to the complexities of the cases they handle.

Geographic Location

Location is a crucial factor when considering a physical therapist’s salary. The cost of living, population density, and demand for physical therapy services vary depending on location. According to the BLS, the highest-paying states for physical therapists in 2020 were Nevada, California, New Jersey, Texas, and Connecticut.

Type of Employer

The type of employer can also have an impact on a physical therapist’s salary. Physical therapists working in hospitals or outpatient centers may make more than those working in smaller physician offices or rehabilitation clinics.

Work Schedule

Physical therapists who work part-time may earn less than their full-time counterparts. Additionally, some employers offer bonuses or overtime pay for physical therapists who work weekends, evenings, or public holidays.

Union Membership

Physical therapists who are unionized may earn better salaries and benefits due to collective bargaining. Unions may negotiate better pay, health benefits, retirement plans, and job security for their members.

Market Demand

The demand for physical therapy services can significantly impact a physical therapist’s salary. High demand in an area means more job opportunities, higher salaries, and better benefits.

Clinician versus Administrator

Physical therapists who work in clinical practice and patient care may earn less than those working in administrative positions. Administrative positions may include managerial roles, healthcare consulting, or research and development.

Insurance and Medicare Policies

The policies of private insurance companies and the Medicare program can have an impact on a physical therapist’s salary. In some cases, insurance providers reimburse physical therapists at lower rates, resulting in lower salaries. It’s essential to research the policies of insurance providers and Medicare before accepting a job offer.

In conclusion, several factors have an impact on a physical therapist’s salary. Education, experience, specialization, location, work schedule, union membership, market demand, clinical versus administrative roles, and insurance policies are all factors that should be taken into consideration when determining potential earning potential as a physical therapist.

Factors Affecting Physical Therapist Salary

Physical therapists work in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, private practices, sports facilities, and schools. The salary of a physical therapist can vary depending on several factors. Here are some of the factors affecting physical therapist salary:

Experience

Experience plays a significant role in determining a physical therapist’s pay. The more experience a physical therapist has; the higher his or her salary would be. With experience, the physical therapist gains knowledge of different techniques and technologies, which ultimately increases their value as an employee. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists’ median salary is $91,010, but with experience, they can make up to $124,740.

Education

Education is another crucial factor that determines a physical therapist’s pay scale. Generally, Physical therapists hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which is a three-year doctorate program. Additionally, those who hold advanced certifications such as Orthopedic Certified Specialist, Sports Certified Specialist, or Neurologic Certified Specialist certification can earn a higher salary. According to the US News, a physical therapist with these certifications can earn up to $100,000 per year.

Setting of Practice

The workplace of a physical therapist also plays a role in determining their salary. For example, those working in hospitals and home health care services typically earn a higher salary than those working in schools or residential care facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying industries for physical therapists are home health care services, nursing care facilities, and personal care services.

Location

The location of a physical therapist’s practice can significantly impact their salary. For example, physical therapists in metropolitan areas usually earn higher salaries than those in rural areas. Likewise, cost of living also significantly affects salary. Physical therapists working in high-cost cities with high demand may earn more than those in low-cost cities.

Employer

Lastly, the physical therapist’s employer can impact their salary. Physical therapists working in private practices may earn less than those working in larger organizations. Additionally, those working in public health settings, such as a school or government agency, may earn less than those working in private healthcare facilities.

In conclusion, the salary of a physical therapist can vary depending on several factors, including experience, education, setting of practice, location, and employer. By understanding these factors, physical therapists can determine their pay scale and find ways to increase their salary.

That’s A Wrap!

We hope that this article has helped you get a better idea of how much physical therapists make. It’s always important to research and understand what a profession entails before pursuing it as a career. Remember, the salaries of physical therapists can vary depending on different factors. Keep in mind that experience, location, and facility type can all play a role in determining your pay. Thanks for reading and be sure to check back for more informative articles. Have a great day!