Physical Therapist Salary.
Across 30 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
$80,000
St. Louis, MO
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
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.