Physical therapy is a rapidly growing field that plays a vital role in helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions. As the demand for physical therapy services continues to rise, many individuals are considering careers in physical therapy salary or as physical therapy assistants. In this blog, we’ll break down the salary expectations for both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, providing you with valuable insights into how much you can earn in these roles, along with factors that may influence your salary.

Understanding Physical Therapy

Before diving into salary specifics, it’s important to understand the roles and responsibilities of both physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs). Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on improving patients’ mobility, function, and quality of life through movement, exercise, manual therapy, and education. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare providers who design treatment plans to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or conditions that affect their ability to move.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists (PTs) have advanced education and training, typically holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. They are responsible for evaluating patients, diagnosing physical conditions, developing treatment plans, and supervising their implementation. PTs work closely with other healthcare professionals and may treat patients in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, or even in-home care settings.

Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) are healthcare professionals who assist physical therapists in implementing treatment plans. PTAs typically have an associate’s degree and work under the supervision of a PT. While PTAs do not have the authority to create treatment plans, they play an integral role in helping patients with exercises, mobility training, and monitoring their progress. They also handle administrative tasks, ensure equipment is properly sanitized, and assist with patient education.

The Growing Demand for Physical Therapists and Assistants

The demand for both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for physical therapists is expected to grow by 18% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for other occupations. Similarly, the demand for PTAs is projected to increase by 14%, which is also above average.

As a result of this rapid growth, there are plenty of opportunities for both PTs and PTAs across various settings. But, as you consider these roles, salary is likely one of the most important factors in your decision-making process. Let’s take a closer look at the salary expectations for each role.

Physical Therapist Salary

The salary of a physical therapist can vary significantly depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and the type of employer. Let’s break down some of the key considerations when it comes to PT salaries.

Average Physical Therapist Salary in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2022, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620. However, PT salaries can range widely based on a number of factors:

• Low end: The lowest 10% of physical therapists earned less than $64,110 annually.
• High end: The top 10% earned over $124,740 per year.

The salary can also differ depending on the setting in which you work. For example:

• Outpatient care centers: PTs working in outpatient care facilities tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in other settings, with the average salary ranging from $100,000 to $110,000.
• Hospitals: Physical therapists working in hospitals have a broad range of salaries, with average earnings typically between $90,000 and $100,000 annually.
• Home health care: Physical therapists working in home healthcare settings may earn slightly higher wages due to the added responsibility, with annual salaries reaching $95,000 to $105,000.

Factors Affecting Physical Therapist Salary

Several factors influence how much a physical therapist can earn. Some of these factors include:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is required for most physical therapists. Having advanced certifications or specialties (such as orthopedics, geriatrics, or neurology) can increase earning potential.
2. Experience: As with most professions, more experienced PTs tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level PTs might start at around $65,000 to $75,000 per year, but with several years of experience, this can easily rise to $90,000 to $100,000 annually or more.
3. Location: Salaries for physical therapists can vary greatly depending on geographic location. States such as California, Texas, and New York typically offer higher salaries due to higher costs of living, while more rural areas may offer lower salaries.
4. Work Setting: The type of work environment you’re in also plays a role in salary. PTs working in specialized clinics or hospital settings may earn more than those working in rehabilitation centers or skilled nursing facilities.
5. Industry and Specialty: Specializing in certain areas, such as sports rehabilitation or pediatric therapy, can lead to higher pay. Additionally, some industries, such as the government or outpatient rehabilitation centers, offer higher salaries compared to others.

Physical Therapist Salary by State

State-level variations are significant in determining the salary of a physical therapist. Here are a few states with some of the highest median salaries for PTs:

• California: $113,000
• Nevada: $103,000
• New Jersey: $101,000
• New York: $100,000
• Texas: $99,000

On the other hand, states with lower median salaries might see PTs earning between $75,000 and $85,000 annually.

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

Physical therapy assistants (PTAs) earn significantly less than physical therapists, but they also have different educational requirements and levels of responsibility. A PTA’s job is still very rewarding, and the salary is generally competitive.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapy assistants in 2022 was $64,050. The salary range for PTAs is as follows:

• Low end: The lowest 10% of PTAs earned less than $45,690 annually.
• High end: The top 10% earned over $84,350 per year.

PTAs working in different healthcare settings can expect different salaries:

• Outpatient care centers: PTAs in outpatient care settings can earn between $65,000 to $70,000 annually.
• Hospitals: PTAs working in hospitals earn between $60,000 to $65,000.
• Home health care: Physical therapy assistants in home healthcare can earn $65,000 to $70,000 annually.

Factors Affecting Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

Just as with physical therapists, various factors influence a PTA’s salary. These include:

1. Education and Certification: PTAs typically hold an associate’s degree in physical therapy, but additional certifications or specialties (such as in sports rehabilitation or orthopedics) can result in higher pay.
2. Experience: Experience also plays a role in PTA salaries. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $50,000 to $55,000, while those with several years of experience may earn upwards of $70,000 annually.
3. Location: The cost of living and demand for PTAs can cause significant salary variations. States like California and Texas tend to offer higher salaries, while smaller, rural states offer lower pay.
4. Work Environment: PTAs working in specialized fields or settings such as outpatient care centers or rehabilitation hospitals generally earn more than those working in less specialized roles.
5. Job Outlook: The job market for PTAs is projected to grow rapidly due to the aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services. This growth will likely lead to salary increases in the coming years.

Physical Therapy Assistant Salary by State

State-level data can reveal significant differences in PTA salaries. Some of the highest-paying states for physical therapy assistants include:

• California: $72,000
• Nevada: $70,000
• Texas: $68,000
• New Jersey: $65,000
• Florida: $64,000

In contrast, states with lower salaries for PTAs might see figures around $55,000 to $60,000 annually.

Comparison: Physical Therapy vs. Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

Physical Therapist Salary vs. Physical Therapy Assistant Salary

As expected, physical therapists earn significantly more than physical therapy assistants due to their advanced education, licensure requirements, and greater level of responsibility. Here’s a quick comparison:

Role	Median Salary (U.S.)	Range of Salary
Physical Therapist (PT)	$95,620	$64,110 to $124,740
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)	$64,050	$45,690 to $84,350

Conclusion

Both physical therapy and physical therapy assistant careers offer competitive salaries, rewarding job prospects, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Physical therapists generally earn more due to their higher level of education and responsibility, but physical therapy assistants can still earn a good living while enjoying a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth.