How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make an Hour?

Introduction

Physical therapy is a type of healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals improve their mobility, reduce pain and prevent or limit physical disabilities. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients achieve their goals, including exercise, massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and more. The demand for physical therapists is growing rapidly due to the aging population, advances in medical technology and increased awareness of the importance of physical activity. As a result, many people are interested in learning more about physical therapy and what it takes to become a physical therapist.

One of the most important considerations when considering a career in physical therapy is salary. How much does a physical therapist make an hour? This article will explore this question in depth, looking at factors such as licensure, location and experience that can affect how much a physical therapist earns. We will also compare physical therapist salaries to those of other healthcare professionals, and discuss the benefits associated with working as a physical therapist.

Analyzing the Average Hourly Wage of Physical Therapists

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for a physical therapist in 2019 was $38.00. This means that half of all physical therapists earned more than $38.00 per hour, while the other half earned less. The highest paid 10 percent of physical therapists earned more than $59.26 per hour, while the lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $25.29 per hour.

It is important to note that these figures do not take into account factors such as location, experience or licensure, which can significantly impact a physical therapist’s salary. In order to get a better understanding of how much physical therapists make an hour, we must look at these factors in more detail.

Exploring Salary Differences Between Licensed and Unlicensed Physical Therapists

In order to practice as a physical therapist, you must have a license from the state in which you plan to work. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements, which usually involve completing a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience and passing a national exam. For example, in California, physical therapists must complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) before they can be licensed.

Licensure can have a significant impact on salary. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapists who are licensed earn an average of $41.30 per hour, while those who are unlicensed only earn an average of $34.27 per hour. This difference in pay may be due to the fact that licensed physical therapists tend to have more job opportunities and higher salaries than those who are unlicensed.

Examining the Impact of Location on Physical Therapist Salaries

Location can also have a major impact on physical therapist salaries. According to the APTA, physical therapists in the Northeast region of the United States tend to earn the highest salaries, with an average hourly wage of $44.10. Physical therapists in the Midwest and South regions both earn an average of $41.50 per hour, while those in the West region earn an average of $39.60 per hour. These differences in pay can be attributed to variations in cost of living and the availability of jobs in different areas.

It is also important to consider the cost of living when evaluating physical therapist salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the cost of living in the U.S. varies significantly from state to state. For example, the cost of living in New York is nearly twice as high as the cost of living in Oklahoma. Therefore, physical therapists who live in states with a higher cost of living may need to earn more money to maintain the same standard of living as those who live in states with a lower cost of living.

Investigating the Relationship Between Experience and Pay for Physical Therapists

Experience is another factor that can impact physical therapist salaries. Generally speaking, physical therapists who have more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out in the field. According to the APTA, physical therapists with 1-5 years of experience earn an average of $38.50 per hour, while those with 6-10 years of experience earn an average of $42.00 per hour. Physical therapists with 11-15 years of experience earn an average of $45.50 per hour, and those with 16+ years of experience earn an average of $50.00 per hour.

Another way to increase your salary as a physical therapist is to pursue advanced degrees. According to the APTA, physical therapists with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree earn an average of $48.40 per hour, while those with a Master of Science (MS) degree earn an average of $45.50 per hour. Additionally, physical therapists who specialize in a particular area, such as sports medicine or geriatrics, may be able to command higher salaries.

Comparing the Salaries of Physical Therapists to Other Healthcare Professionals

Physical therapists’ salaries can also be compared to those of other healthcare professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for registered nurses was $34.63 in 2019, while the median hourly wage for physicians and surgeons was $83.67. Physical therapists typically earn more than registered nurses but less than physicians and surgeons.

When comparing physical therapists’ salaries to those of other healthcare professionals, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each profession. Physical therapy is a rewarding career that allows you to help people improve their quality of life. However, it can also be physically demanding and may require long hours. Physicians and surgeons, on the other hand, typically enjoy higher salaries and greater job security, but may experience more stress and less job satisfaction.

Surveying the Benefits Associated with Being a Physical Therapist

In addition to salary, there are many other benefits associated with being a physical therapist. Most physical therapists receive health insurance, retirement benefits, professional development opportunities and more. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement for physical therapists who wish to pursue advanced degrees. Additionally, physical therapists often have flexible schedules, allowing them to balance work and family life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, physical therapists can expect to earn an average of $38.00 per hour. However, this figure is subject to change depending on factors such as licensure, location, experience and other healthcare professionals. Licensed physical therapists tend to earn higher salaries than unlicensed physical therapists, and physical therapists in the Northeast region of the United States tend to earn the highest salaries. Additionally, physical therapists with more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries, and those with advanced degrees may also be able to command higher salaries. Finally, physical therapists also enjoy a variety of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement benefits and professional development opportunities.