Physical Therapy Salaries by State

Introduction to Physical Therapy Salaries

Physical therapy is a rewarding and challenging career that involves helping patients recover from injuries or illnesses. The salary for physical therapists can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. In this article, we will explore the physical therapy salaries by state, highlighting the highest and lowest paying states, as well as the factors that influence these salaries.

Factors Affecting Physical Therapy Salaries

Several factors can affect the salary of a physical therapist, including: * Location: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the state, city, or region. Urban areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas. * Experience: More experienced physical therapists can command higher salaries, with senior therapists earning up to 20% more than entry-level therapists. * Type of employer: Physical therapists working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices may earn different salaries than those working in schools, sports teams, or research institutions. * Specialization: Physical therapists with specialized skills, such as pediatrics, sports physical therapy, or neurology, may earn higher salaries than those with general practice skills. * Education and certification: Physical therapists with advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), or certifications, such as Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS), may earn higher salaries than those with basic qualifications.

Physical Therapy Salaries by State

The following table shows the average annual salaries for physical therapists in each state, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

State	Average Annual Salary
Alabama	83,410</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Alaska</td> <td>94,110
Arizona	85,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Arkansas</td> <td>78,490
California	97,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Colorado</td> <td>88,610
Connecticut	92,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Delaware</td> <td>86,610
Florida	84,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Georgia</td> <td>82,610
Hawaii	93,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Idaho</td> <td>80,610
Illinois	89,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Indiana</td> <td>81,610
Iowa	83,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Kansas</td> <td>79,610
Kentucky	78,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Louisiana</td> <td>81,110
Maine	84,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Maryland</td> <td>91,110
Massachusetts	95,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td>85,610
Minnesota	90,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mississippi</td> <td>77,110
Missouri	80,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Montana</td> <td>82,110
Nebraska	84,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nevada</td> <td>88,110
New Hampshire	89,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New Jersey</td> <td>94,610
New Mexico	81,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New York</td> <td>96,110
North Carolina	86,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>North Dakota</td> <td>83,610
Ohio	84,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Oklahoma</td> <td>79,110
Oregon	90,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Pennsylvania</td> <td>88,610
Rhode Island	92,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>South Carolina</td> <td>82,610
South Dakota	80,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Tennessee</td> <td>81,110
Texas	86,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Utah</td> <td>85,610
Vermont	89,110</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Virginia</td> <td>91,610
Washington	95,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>West Virginia</td> <td>79,610
Wisconsin	87,610</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Wyoming</td> <td>83,110

💡 Note: These figures are based on national averages and can vary depending on specific locations within each state.

Highest and Lowest Paying States

The top 5 highest paying states for physical therapists are: * California: 97,110 per year * <b>New York</b>: 96,110 per year * Massachusetts: 95,110 per year * <b>Washington</b>: 95,610 per year * New Jersey: $94,610 per year

The bottom 5 lowest paying states for physical therapists are: * Mississippi: 77,110 per year * <b>West Virginia</b>: 79,610 per year * Oklahoma: 79,110 per year * <b>Arkansas</b>: 78,490 per year * Kentucky: $78,110 per year

Key Takeaways

When considering a career as a physical therapist, it’s essential to research the salaries in your desired location. While salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience and employer, understanding the average salaries by state can help you make informed decisions about your career path. Additionally, specializing in a particular area of physical therapy or pursuing advanced education and certifications can lead to higher salaries and greater job satisfaction.

In summary, physical therapy salaries vary by state, with California, New York, and Massachusetts offering the highest average salaries. However, salaries can also depend on factors such