Physical Therapist Salaries: State-by-State BLS Data

Physical therapists (PTs) work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and home health settings. With an aging population driving persistent demand, PT wages have remained strong — and the geographic variation in pay is significant.

National Median

Physical therapists earn well above the median U.S. wage. The doctoral requirement (DPT degree) that became standard in recent years reflects the profession's clinical depth — and the compensation reflects that credential requirement.

Highest-Paying States

Nevada, California, and Alaska frequently rank among the top-paying states for PTs. Alaska's premium reflects both the rural access factor — PTs willing to work in remote settings command higher wages — and the state's overall elevated wage levels across healthcare occupations.

Setting Matters as Much as Location

BLS OEWS data captures wages across all employment settings. Home health and contract staffing typically pay PTs more than hospital employment, though with less benefits stability. Outpatient orthopedic clinics cluster in suburban markets where wages can be competitive with hospital rates.

Related Healthcare Roles

Compare PT wages to those of physician assistants and licensed practical nurses for a full picture of the mid-tier healthcare earnings landscape. Browse all healthcare practitioner wages.