Physical Therapist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Physical Therapists Make?
Physical Therapists earn a median annual salary of $101,020 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $74,420 at the 10th percentile to $132,500 at the 90th percentile — a range of $58,080. The highest-paying state is California at $123,300.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,420 |
| 25th percentile | $83,470 |
| Median (50th) | $101,020 |
| 75th percentile | $117,190 |
| 90th percentile | $132,500 |
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $123,300 |
| Alaska | $108,640 |
| New Jersey | $106,310 |
| Nevada | $105,170 |
| Oregon | $104,430 |
| Maryland | $104,330 |
| Connecticut | $103,720 |
| Texas | $103,710 |
| Illinois | $103,380 |
| Delaware | $103,120 |
| Rhode Island | $102,900 |
| Massachusetts | $102,260 |
| Washington | $102,140 |
| Georgia | $101,930 |
| Arizona | $101,660 |
| West Virginia | $101,210 |
| New Mexico | $101,130 |
| Wyoming | $101,130 |
| South Carolina | $100,950 |
| District of Columbia | $100,760 |
| Hawaii | $100,740 |
| Virginia | $100,710 |
| Tennessee | $100,660 |
| Louisiana | $100,550 |
| Wisconsin | $100,440 |
| Colorado | $100,240 |
| Ohio | $99,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $99,570 |
| New York | $99,430 |
| Indiana | $99,310 |
| Oklahoma | $99,220 |
| Michigan | $98,960 |
| Florida | $98,880 |
| Minnesota | $98,870 |
| Kansas | $98,840 |
| Utah | $97,580 |
| Kentucky | $97,500 |
| New Hampshire | $97,200 |
| Mississippi | $97,080 |
| Alabama | $97,040 |
| Arkansas | $96,840 |
| North Carolina | $96,670 |
| Nebraska | $96,540 |
| Iowa | $95,890 |
| Maine | $93,890 |
| Vermont | $93,840 |
| Missouri | $93,750 |
| Idaho | $93,610 |
| Montana | $92,910 |
| South Dakota | $89,240 |
| North Dakota | $86,180 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$74,420 – $83,470 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$101,020 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$117,190 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $132,500+ |
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Physical Therapists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $137,250 — $36,230 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($117,190) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Physical Therapist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapistthis career | $101,020 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,340 |
| Radiation Therapist | $101,990 |
| Recreational Therapist | $60,280 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $80,450 |
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SOC: 29-1123.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.