Movement and rehab specialists. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) required.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Physical Therapists. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $78,700 | $64,800 | $94,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $97,800 | $80,500 | $117,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $112,500 | $92,600 | $134,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $135,000 | $111,100 | $161,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $153,000 | $125,900 | $182,900 |
Top 10 states by median Physical Therapist salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $157,400 | $119,700 | $204,700 | +40% |
| California | $151,800 | $115,400 | $197,400 | +35% |
| New York | $149,600 | $113,700 | $194,400 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $146,200 | $111,100 | $190,000 | +30% |
| Washington | $146,200 | $111,100 | $190,000 | +30% |
| Connecticut | $136,100 | $103,400 | $176,900 | +21% |
| Maryland | $134,900 | $102,600 | $175,400 | +20% |
| New Jersey | $134,900 | $102,600 | $175,400 | +20% |
| Nevada | $132,700 | $100,800 | $172,500 | +18% |
| Colorado | $131,600 | $100,000 | $171,000 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $95,600 | $72,600 | $124,300 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $94,500 | $71,800 | $122,800 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $94,500 | $71,800 | $122,800 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $94,500 | $71,800 | $122,800 | -16% |
| Alabama | $93,300 | $70,900 | $121,300 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $93,300 | $70,900 | $121,300 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $90,000 | $68,400 | $117,000 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $90,000 | $68,400 | $117,000 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $87,700 | $66,700 | $114,000 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $87,700 | $66,700 | $114,000 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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