Physical Therapist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$90,000
national median salary
$72,000 to $108,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$123,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$94,000
Denver, CO
Lowest Paying
$67,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Physical Therapist salary in the United States is $90,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $72,000 at the 25th percentile to $108,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $123,000, while Denver offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Setting drives the biggest pay differences, with home health and travel PT positions paying 15 to 25% above outpatient clinics.
Physical Therapist salary by city
Skills that increase Physical Therapist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Physical Therapists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $12,600 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$12,600 per year
≈ +$11,700 per year
≈ +$10,800 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,900 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$9,000 per year
≈ +$8,100 per year
What you should know
Setting drives the biggest pay differences, with home health and travel PT positions paying 15 to 25% above outpatient clinics. Board-certified specialists in areas like orthopedics or neurology earn premiums. Geographic cost of living and state reimbursement rates also create significant variance across markets.
New-graduate PTs start at $70,000 to $80,000 in outpatient settings. With board certification and five years of experience, salaries reach $90,000 to $105,000. Clinical directors and practice owners can earn $110,000 to $130,000 depending on practice size and revenue.
Benefits typically include CEU reimbursement of $1,500 to $3,000, student loan repayment assistance, and health insurance. Travel PTs receive housing stipends and per diems that can add $15,000 to $25,000 in effective annual compensation.