How Much Do Physical Therapists Make in the Healthcare Industry?

A career in physical therapy is often described as the perfect blend of medical expertise and interpersonal connection. As a Physical Therapist (PT), you are responsible for helping patients recover from surgery, manage chronic conditions, and regain their independence after life-altering injuries. While the emotional and professional rewards are significant, many prospective and current therapists want to know: how much do physical therapists make? 

The financial outlook for the profession is exceptionally strong. Physical therapy consistently ranks as a high-paying healthcare career with a median income that sits well above the national average for all occupations. This guide provides an accurate, data-driven look at the earning potential for physical therapists in 2025, exploring the factors that influence yearly income and highlighting how travel therapy can drastically increase your take-home pay. 

Average Physical Therapist Salary

When discussing the financial landscape of this profession, the first point of reference is the national average. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapists has officially surpassed the six-figure mark, currently sitting at approximately $101,020. 

The median serves as a helpful middle ground, meaning that half of the therapists in the country earn more than this amount, while half earn less. However, the range is quite broad. Entry-level physical therapists or those working in lower-cost regions typically start in the $74,000 to $83,000 range. On the other end of the spectrum, the top 10% of earners in the field, often those with advanced specializations or those working in high-demand urban areas, can earn upwards of $132,500 per year. 

Several variables dictate where an individual falls within this range. Years of experience are a primary factor, but the clinical setting and geographic location play equally vital roles in determining the base salary. 

Monthly Physical Therapist Earnings

For many professionals, understanding an annual salary is helpful for long-term planning, but monthly earnings are what dictate day-to-day lifestyle and budgeting. When we break down the median annual salary of $101,020 into monthly figures, the average physical therapist brings in roughly $8,418 per month before taxes. 

On a weekly basis, this equates to approximately $1,942 per week. If you are looking at hourly rates, the average physical therapist earns about $48.57 per hour. It is important to remember that these figures represent base pay for permanent staff positions. In many healthcare settings, these monthly earnings are supplemented by benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off, which add to the total value of the compensation. 

For those in the private sector or specialized clinics, monthly income may also include performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing, which can push these monthly averages even higher. 

Yearly Income for Physical Therapists 

When looking at yearly income for physical therapists, it is essential to distinguish between different industries and regions, as the “average” can look very different depending on where you practice. 

Income by Clinical Setting

The setting in which a PT works has a profound impact on their yearly earnings. Home health care services and skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest annual mean wages, often exceeding $108,000. These settings generally provide higher compensation due to the autonomy required and the critical nature of the care provided to geriatric or homebound populations. 

Hospitals and outpatient care centers follow closely behind, with average salaries typically ranging between $104,000 and $106,000. While outpatient clinics may sometimes offer slightly lower starting salaries compared to hospitals, they often provide more predictable schedules and opportunities for clinical specialization, which can lead to higher pay over time. 

Income by Geographic Location

Location remains one of the most powerful drivers of yearly income. States with a high cost of living or significant healthcare shortages often pay a premium to attract and retain talent. California, Nevada, and New Jersey consistently rank among the top-paying states for physical therapists, with average annual salaries often exceeding $110,000. Conversely, states in the Midwest or Southeast may have lower average salaries, though the lower cost of living in those regions can sometimes result in similar “purchasing power.” 

The Travel Therapy Advantage: Maximizing Your Earning Potential 

One of the most effective ways to significantly increase your yearly income is to transition into travel therapy. As a travel PT, you are hired to fill temporary needs at facilities across the country. This career path is widely recognized as the most lucrative way to practice physical therapy. 

The primary reason travel therapists make more money is the unique compensation structure. Instead of a standard salary, travel PTs receive a combination of taxable hourly wages and non-taxable stipends. These stipends are intended to cover housing, meals, and incidental expenses while on assignment. Because a large portion of the weekly pay is non-taxable, the take-home pay for a travel PT is often 20% to 40% higher than that of a permanent staff member in the same facility. 

Beyond the tax advantages, travel PTs often receive additional financial benefits, including: 

• High Weekly Rates: Travel assignments in high-demand areas can offer weekly take-home pay ranging from $2,100 to $2,800. 

• Completion and Sign-on Bonuses: Many contracts include bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 upon successful completion of the assignment. 

• License and CEU Reimbursement: Staffing agencies like Pioneer often cover the costs of obtaining new state licenses and continuing education, saving the therapist thousands of dollars annually. 

• Full Benefits: Despite being temporary, travel PTs often receive comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) matching, and travel reimbursements, ensuring their total compensation package remains robust. 

By choosing to travel, a physical therapist can strategically take assignments in high-paying states during peak demand seasons, allowing them to earn a yearly income that far exceeds the national median. 

Comparing Physiotherapist and PT Salaries 

A common question among those entering the field or looking at international data is the difference between a physical therapist and a physiotherapist. In the United States, these terms are essentially synonymous. The profession is legally and professionally titled “Physical Therapy,” but the term “Physiotherapy” is frequently used in common parlance. 

However, when comparing salaries on a global scale, the distinction becomes important. In countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the title “Physiotherapist” is the standard. While the core clinical work is nearly identical, the salary structures vary significantly by country. 

In a direct comparison within the U.S. market, there is no difference in earnings between someone who calls themselves a physical therapist versus a physiotherapist, as the billing codes and licensing requirements are the same. But when comparing the U.S. market to the global market, American physical therapists are among the highest-paid in the world. For example, a physiotherapist in the UK working for the National Health Service (NHS) may earn significantly less than the $101,020 median found in the U.S. 

This makes the American healthcare industry a premier destination for those looking to maximize their earning potential in the field. Whether you choose a permanent role in a high-paying hospital or opt for the adventure and financial boost of a travel PT career, the path of a physical therapist remains one of the most financially stable and lucrative choices in modern healthcare. 

The data is clear: physical therapy is a career that offers both financial security and immense growth potential. By understanding the averages and leveraging opportunities like travel therapy, you can ensure your income reflects the high level of expertise and dedication you bring to your patients every day.