How Much Money Does a Physical Therapist Make? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Physical therapy is a health care profession focused on restoring and improving mobility, function, and quality of life for those affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients achieve their goals, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education. With an aging population and increased demand for physical therapy services, the job outlook for physical therapists is strong.

So what kind of salary can you expect as a physical therapist? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at physical therapist salaries, exploring factors that influence earnings and the advantages of becoming a physical therapist.

Analyzing Average Salaries of Physical Therapists by Region

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapists was $87,930 in 2019. This means that half of all physical therapists earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less.

The overall national average wage for physical therapists varies depending on the region. The highest paying states for physical therapists are Alaska ($103,750), Nevada ($102,050), District of Columbia ($101,150), California ($99,790), and New Jersey ($96,410). On the other hand, the lowest paying states for physical therapists are Mississippi ($73,390), South Dakota ($74,280), Arkansas ($74,780), West Virginia ($75,180), and Montana ($76,830).

Exploring the Impact of Education and Experience on Physical Therapist Salaries

Education is a major factor in determining salaries for physical therapists. Most physical therapists have a master’s degree or higher in physical therapy, which requires additional coursework and clinical experience beyond a bachelor’s degree. Having a doctoral degree can open up opportunities for higher salaries, administrative roles, and teaching positions.

Work experience also plays a role in physical therapist salaries. According to the BLS, the median annual wages for physical therapists with one to four years of experience range from $66,960 to $88,640. Those with five to nine years of experience earn a median annual wage of $90,420, while those with 10 to 19 years of experience make a median annual wage of $91,550.

Comparing Physical Therapist Salaries to Other Health Care Professionals

Physical therapist salaries vary widely compared to other health care professionals. For example, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $73,300 in 2019, while the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000. However, physical therapists tend to have more flexible schedules and better job satisfaction than many other health care professions.

Examining Factors that Influence Physical Therapist Earnings

In addition to education and experience, there are several other factors that can influence physical therapist salaries. Geographic location is an important factor, as some regions may offer higher salaries than others. Specialization is also a key consideration, as those who specialize in areas such as orthopedics or sports medicine may earn higher salaries than general practitioners. Finally, the type of employer can also affect physical therapist salaries, as those employed in hospitals, universities, or private practices may see different salary ranges.

Investigating Differences in Physical Therapist Salaries Between Men and Women

There is a gender pay gap in physical therapy, with female physical therapists earning an average of $6,000 less than male physical therapists, according to a study by the American Physical Therapy Association. The study found that men were more likely to work in higher paying settings such as hospitals, while women were more likely to be employed in lower paying settings such as outpatient clinics.

Reviewing the Highest Paying Cities for Physical Therapists

The highest paying cities for physical therapists are San Francisco, CA ($118,020), San Jose, CA ($113,200), Vallejo, CA ($111,770), Oakland, CA ($110,040), and Seattle, WA ($105,720). These cities offer higher salaries due to higher cost of living and greater competition for qualified physical therapists.

Evaluating the Benefits of Becoming a Physical Therapist

Becoming a physical therapist offers both financial and professional benefits. The financial advantages are obvious, with physical therapists earning competitive salaries and having the potential to increase their earnings with experience and specialization. Additionally, physical therapists enjoy job satisfaction and professional growth opportunities, as they get to work with a variety of people and help them improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

Physical therapy is a growing field with a bright future. Physical therapists earn competitive salaries and have the potential to increase their earnings with experience and specialization. Additionally, physical therapists enjoy job satisfaction and professional growth opportunities, making it a rewarding career choice.