Salary Outlook
The BLS reports the median annual wage for a physical therapist was $78,270 in 2011. The best-paid 10 percent of workers in the category made approximately $110,670, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $54,710. The highest wages are found in physician offices or hospitals. By location, many of the highest-paid positions are clustered in Texas in the metropolitan areas of McAllen, El Paso, and Midland.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $58,700.00 |
| 2004 | $62,810.00 |
| 2006 | $68,350.00 |
| 2008 | $74,890.00 |
| 2010 | $77,990.00 |
Average Physical Therapist Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
Physical therapists have a salary range between $54,000 and $110,000 in 2011. That's more than registered nurses and occupational therapists. Another therapist on our list—massage therapist, that is—made about $42,000 less than a physical therapist in 2011.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | $78,270.00 |
| Occupational Therapist | $73,820.00 |
| Registered Nurse | $65,690.00 |
| Massage Therapist | $35,830.00 |
| Dental Assistant | $34,140.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Physical Therapists
The highest paid in the physical therapist profession work in the metropolitan areas of McAllen, TX, El Paso, TX, and Fairbanks, AK. The Midland, TX area also pays well, as does the city of Sioux City, IA.
McAllen, TX
Average Salary: $122,160 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a physical therapist working in McAllen, TX is $122,160, which is $43,890 more than the average pay in the profession.
El Paso, TX
Average Salary: $105,400 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a physical therapist working in El Paso, TX is $105,400, which is $27,130 more than the average pay in the profession.
Fairbanks, AK
Average Salary: $104,250 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a physical therapist working in Fairbanks, AK is $104,250, which is $25,980 more than the average pay in the profession.
Midland, TX
Average Salary: $102,270 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a physical therapist working in Midland, TX is $102,270, which is $24,000 more than the average pay in the profession.
Sioux City, IA
Average Salary: $101,770 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a physical therapist working in Sioux City, IA is $101,770, which is $23,500 more than the average pay in the profession.
