How Much Doctor Salary can you realistically expect? The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) salary is influenced by factors such as location, experience, and specialization, so understanding these aspects is crucial for career planning. Visit thebootdoctor.net for more insights on physical therapy careers, compensation trends, and the best ways to maximize your earning potential with advanced certifications and continuing education opportunities. Discover your earning potential, salary expectations and benefits now!
1. Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary by State
Let’s explore the potential earnings for licensed physical therapists across different U.S. states and territories. Understanding these figures can help you make informed decisions about where to pursue your career.
Annual salary data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected annual openings are from the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), and cost of living index scores are from the Cost of Living Data Series from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Keep in mind that the BLS data is current as of April 2024, and salary averages can change.
Understanding the Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary landscape will assist you in answering: Is a DPT degree a worthwhile investment? Thebootdoctor.net aims to provide clarity on this important question.
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Annual Job Openings | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $46.61 | $96,950 | 170 | 88.1 |
| Alaska | $53.28 | $110,830 | 30 | 125.1 |
| Arizona | $47.58 | $98,960 | 430 | 110.5 |
| Arkansas | $44.36 | $92,270 | 140 | 88.5 |
| California | $54.94 | $114,270 | 1,550 | 145.0 |
| Colorado | $47.12 | $98,000 | 440 | 101.8 |
| Connecticut | $49.94 | $103,870 | 220 | 113.2 |
| Delaware | $50.26 | $104,530 | 70 | 100.9 |
| District of Columbia | $49.78 | $103,550 | 40 | 144.6 |
| Florida | $45.60 | $94,850 | 1,040 | 103.1 |
| Georgia | $48.01 | $99,860 | 470 | 91.3 |
| Hawaii | $49.52 | $103,010 | 50 | 186.2 |
| Idaho | $44.42 | $92,400 | 120 | 101.1 |
| Illinois | $50.31 | $104,640 | 500 | 93.3 |
| Indiana | $46.52 | $96,760 | 310 | 90.3 |
| Iowa | $44.16 | $91,850 | 160 | 90.1 |
| Kansas | $45.09 | $93,780 | 140 | 87.3 |
| Kentucky | $42.06 | $87,480 | 200 | 92.6 |
| Louisiana | $47.04 | $97,830 | 160 | 92.1 |
| Maine | $44.10 | $91,720 | 60 | 111.3 |
| Maryland | $50.73 | $105,520 | 340 | 116.2 |
| Massachusetts | $47.93 | $99,700 | 520 | 144.3 |
| Michigan | $45.89 | $95,450 | 490 | 91.8 |
| Minnesota | $47.05 | $97,860 | 250 | 94.8 |
| Mississippi | $45.79 | $95,230 | 110 | 88.3 |
| Missouri | $43.77 | $91,030 | 280 | 88.5 |
| Montana | $41.13 | $85,550 | 80 | 94.6 |
| Nebraska | $43.69 | $90,870 | 130 | 93.4 |
| Nevada | $53.59 | $111,460 | 140 | 102.7 |
| New Hampshire | $45.78 | $95,220 | 80 | 113.6 |
| New Jersey | $52.54 | $109,280 | 530 | 113.7 |
| New Mexico | $47.26 | $98,290 | 110 | 93.6 |
| New York | $48.47 | $100,810 | 1,370 | 123.1 |
| North Carolina | $45.74 | $95,150 | 450 | 98.5 |
| North Dakota | $42.51 | $88,430 | 50 | 92.8 |
| Ohio | $47.06 | $97,890 | 510 | 94.0 |
| Oklahoma | $45.89 | $95,450 | 160 | 86.4 |
| Oregon | $48.22 | $100,310 | 210 | 114.1 |
| Pennsylvania | $47.58 | $98,970 | 770 | 95.6 |
| Puerto Rico | $25.33 | $52,690 | 40 | 102.6 |
| Rhode Island | $45.75 | $95,160 | 60 | 113.4 |
| South Carolina | $45.33 | $94,280 | 220 | 97.6 |
| South Dakota | $42.81 | $89,050 | 60 | 93.4 |
| Tennessee | $46.37 | $96,440 | 320 | 90.3 |
| Texas | $51.42 | $106,960 | 1,150 | 92.4 |
| Utah | $46.57 | $96,860 | 170 | 102.9 |
| Vermont | $45.38 | $94,380 | 50 | 114.7 |
| Virgin Islands | $49.14 | $102,200 | N/A | N/A |
| Virginia | $48.01 | $99,850 | 420 | 101.3 |
| Washington | $48.79 | $101,480 | 850 | 115.1 |
| West Virginia | $45.25 | $94,130 | 110 | 83.8 |
| Wisconsin | $45.76 | $95,180 | 310 | 97.0 |
| Wyoming | $44.80 | $93,190 | 40 | 95.1 |
1.1. Alabama: $96,950/year
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Alabama is $96,950. This equates to $46.61 per hour in a state with a relatively affordable cost of living. The PMP anticipates approximately 170 PT job openings each year until 2030. For more on career opportunities, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Alabama is below the national average, with an index of 88.1.
1.2. Alaska: $110,830/year
In the northernmost state, the average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary is $110,830 per year, or $53.28 per hour. Alaska ranks as the third highest-paying state for physical therapists. To explore top-paying regions, see resources at thebootdoctor.net.
While the annual job openings may appear low at 30, this figure aligns with Alaska’s population of fewer than 735,000 residents.
The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average, with an index of 125.1.
1.3. Arizona: $98,960/year
Arizona offers an annual DPT salary of $98,960, or $47.58 per hour. Health professionals are in demand in Arizona, with projections indicating 430 job openings for PTs each year through 2030. Check thebootdoctor.net for career growth forecasts.
The cost of living in Arizona is above the national average, with an index of 110.5.
1.4. Arkansas: $92,270/year
Working in a doctor’s office, hospital, or other PT setting in Arkansas could yield an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $92,270 per year, or $44.36 per hour. With 140 job openings expected annually, there are numerous opportunities to pursue. For job search strategies, thebootdoctor.net is a valuable resource.
The cost of living in Arkansas is below the national average, with an index of 88.5.
1.5. California: $114,270/year
A licensed physical therapist in California enjoys high compensation. California leads as the highest-paying state for PTs, offering an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $114,270 per year, or $54.94 per hour. For resources on maximizing your earnings in California, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The demand for PTs is growing in California, driven by its active lifestyle and sports culture. The PMP forecasts 1,550 physical therapy job openings each year.
The cost of living in California is the second highest in the U.S., after Hawaii, with an index of 145.0.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty-practitioner instructs USAHS DPT students.
1.6. Colorado: $98,000/year
Even if the mountains aren’t your main draw, the average annual physical therapy doctor salary of $98,000 in Colorado might be. With a projected 440 new job openings each year, you could be earning $47.12 per hour sooner than you think. Thebootdoctor.net offers details on Colorado’s job market and salary trends.
The cost of living in Colorado is above the national average, with an index of 101.8.
1.7. Connecticut: $103,870/year
As the ninth highest-paying state for PTs, Connecticut is an attractive destination for those in physical therapy. With an average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $103,870 per year ($49.94 per hour) and about 220 yearly job openings, the state offers a promising opportunity for relocation. Check thebootdoctor.net for relocation tips.
The cost of living in Connecticut is well above the national average, with an index of 113.2.
1.8. Delaware: $104,530/year
How much do DPTs make in Delaware? The average DPT salary is $104,530 annually, or $50.26 per hour. The PMP projects an annual increase of about 70 physical therapy jobs in the state. Visit thebootdoctor.net for salary negotiation advice.
The cost of living in Delaware is slightly above the national average, with an index of 100.9.
1.9. District of Columbia (D.C.): $103,550/year
With an hourly Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $49.78, PTs in the nation’s capital can earn upward of $103,550 per year. With an average of 40 annual job openings through 2030, D.C. is a good place to start your private practice. Find resources for starting a practice at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in D.C. is 144.6 on the index—the third-most expensive place to live in the country, behind California and Hawaii.
1.10. Florida: $94,850/year
If you enjoy the sun, sand, and an average annual Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $94,850 ($45.60 per hour), you’ll love Florida. To learn about career paths in Florida, visit thebootdoctor.net.
There are an estimated 1,040 PT job openings yearly, possibly due to the state’s popularity among retirees.
The cost of living in Florida is above the national average, with an index of 103.1.
1.11. Georgia: $99,860/year
How much does a Doctor of Physical Therapy make in Georgia? Expect a DPT salary of $99,860 annually, or $48.01 per hour. Thebootdoctor.net provides insights on Georgia’s growing healthcare sector.
The career is experiencing significant growth in the state, with the PMP expecting 470 new job openings every year.
The cost of living in Georgia is below the national average, with an index of 91.3.
1.12. Hawaii: $103,010/year
At $103,010 per year ($49.52 per hour), Hawaii’s average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is reasonable. Don’t wait too long to start your practice; the expected average number of annual job openings is 50. Find information on career development in Hawaii at thebootdoctor.net.
Hawaii is famously beautiful, but PTs should consider its high cost of living, at 186.2 on the index, making it the most expensive state in the United States.
1.13. Idaho: $92,400/year
Physical therapists in Idaho can earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of about $44.42 per hour, or $92,400 per year. An average of 120 new PT jobs open every year in the state. For job market trends, check thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Idaho is below the national average, with an index of 101.1.
1.14. Illinois: $104,640/year
Whether you live in the Windy City or beyond, you can earn an impressive DPT salary of $104,640 per year ($50.31 per hour). The demand for PTs in Illinois is also high, with an average of 500 new openings each year. Explore career advancement opportunities at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Illinois is below the national average, with an index of 93.3.
1.15. Indiana: $96,760/year
Sitting just east of Illinois, Indiana boasts a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $96,760 ($46.52 per hour). According to the PMP, the state will need around 310 new PTs every year until 2030. Visit thebootdoctor.net for details on Indiana’s job market.
The cost of living in Indiana is below the national average, with an index of 90.3.
1.16. Iowa: $91,850/year
How much do Doctors of Physical Therapy make in Iowa? Iowa’s average annual DPT salary is $91,850 ($44.16 per hour). With about 160 new jobs opening each year, Iowa could be a worthwhile destination. Find resources for physical therapists at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Iowa is below the national average, with an index of 90.1.
Highest-paying states for physical therapistsAlt text: A bar graph compares the highest paying states for physical therapists
1.17. Kansas: $93,780/year
At $93,780 per year ($45.09 per hour), the average DPT salary in Kansas is strong. With an average of 140 new jobs opening up yearly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better state for PTs in the Midwest. Thebootdoctor.net offers career advice specific to the Midwest region.
Kansas is one of the least expensive states to live in, with a cost of living of 87.3 on the index.
1.18. Kentucky: $87,480/year
In Kentucky, you can earn a physical therapy doctor salary of $87,480 per year, which translates to $42.06 per hour. The PMP expects an average of 200 new PT jobs to open in the state yearly. Explore career prospects in Kentucky at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Kentucky is below the national average, with an index of 92.6.
1.19. Louisiana: $97,830/year
Louisiana is near the top of the list, with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $97,830 ($47.04 per hour). The PMP expects around 160 openings for PTs in the state each year. To learn more about earning potential in Louisiana, visit thebootdoctor.net.
Louisiana’s below-average cost of living—92.1 on the index—is another plus.
1.20. Maine: $91,720/year
At $91,720 per year ($44.10 per hour), Maine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is among the lowest in the country. However, it still ranks above the national median household income of $68,251 per year, as reported in 2022. Thebootdoctor.net discusses the value of a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
The PMP anticipates about 60 new PT jobs to open in Maine each year between now and 2030.
The cost of living in Maine is above the national average, with an index of 111.3.
1.21. Maryland: $105,520/year
The projected DPT salary in Maryland is around $105,520 per year ($50.73 per hour). Couple that above-average income with an estimated 340 annual job openings, and you can understand why Maryland is an excellent place to practice. Find job search resources for Maryland at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Maryland is above the national average, with an index of 116.2.
1.22. Massachusetts: $99,700/year
There’s much to love about living in Massachusetts—especially as a physical therapist. With an annual physical therapy doctor salary of $99,700—$47.93 per hour—you can explore the Berkshires at leisure. Visit thebootdoctor.net for lifestyle benefits in Massachusetts.
Throughout the state, the PMP expects around 520 new job openings yearly.
The cost of living in Massachusetts is the fourth-highest in the country, at 144.3 on the index.
1.23. Michigan: $95,450/year
Base yourself in Michigan, and you’ll receive a Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $95,450 ($45.89 per hour). The PMP expects 490 job openings annually in the state, so you’ll have multiple chances to apply. Explore the job market in Michigan at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Michigan is below the national average, with an index of 91.8.
1.24. Minnesota: $97,860/year
Minnesota’s average annual Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is $97,860 ($47.05 per hour). Whether you hope to work in a clinic, hospital, or another setting, you’ll have around 250 job openings each year to choose from. For career options in Minnesota, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Minnesota is below the national average, with an index of 94.8.
1.25. Mississippi: $95,230/year
PTs in Mississippi earn a substantial DPT salary for the area. $95,230 per year ($45.79 per hour) is a respectable wage anywhere. Check thebootdoctor.net for cost of living analysis in Mississippi.
The PMP projects 110 yearly job openings on average.
Mississippi is among the top 5 least expensive states, with an index rating of 88.3.
1.26. Missouri: $91,030/year
Base yourself in Missouri, and you could take home a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $91,030 ($43.77 per hour). With 280 openings each year, you’ll have your share of choices when you start job hunting. Find job hunting tips at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Missouri is below the national average, with an index of 88.5.
1.27. Montana: $85,550/year
The mean annual DPT salary for Montana-based practitioners is $85,550 ($41.13 per hour). The state is sparsely populated, so an average annual increase of 80 PT jobs makes sense. For small-state job market insights, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Montana is below the national average, with an index of 94.6.
1.28. Nebraska: $90,870/year
If your journey takes you to Nebraska, you can expect to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $90,870 per year ($43.69 per hour). According to the PMP, Nebraskans will need around 130 new PTs annually. Explore Nebraska’s earning potential at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Nebraska is below the national average, with an index of 93.4.
1.29. Nevada: $111,460/year
With a mean annual income of $111,460 ($53.59 per hour), Nevada has the second-highest physical therapy doctor salary after California. Regardless of the bachelor’s degree you pursue ahead of your Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, you can expect to earn six figures in the Silver State. For financial planning resources, visit thebootdoctor.net.
On average, you can expect around 140 new PT job openings in the state each year.
The cost of living in Nevada is above the national average, with an index of 102.7.
1.30. New Hampshire: $95,220/year
New Hampshire has a Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $95,220 ($45,78 per hour)—a similar wage to other states in the Northeast like Rhode Island. From now until 2030, the state should have around 80 new job openings each year. Learn about regional salary trends at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in New Hampshire is well above the national average, with an index of 113.6.
1.31. New Jersey: $109,280/year
New Jersey is the fourth-highest-paying state for physical therapists, with an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $109,280 per year ($52.54 per hour). The PMP predicts that 530 new jobs will open in New Jersey each year. For high-paying state career guidance, check thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in New Jersey is above the national average, with an index of 113.7.
1.32. New Mexico: $98,290/year
New Mexico is another well-paying state, with an average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $98,290 ($47.26 per hour). With an elevated wage comes competition—the PMP expects 110 new PT jobs to open yearly. Visit thebootdoctor.net for competitive job market tips.
The good news is that New Mexico’s cost of living is below the national average at 93.6.
1.33. New York: $100,810/year
Whether you’re from New York or plan to relocate, you could earn an average DPT salary of $100,810 per year ($48.47 per hour). New York’s population is just shy of twenty million, so it should come as no surprise that there should be 1,370 new PT jobs opening each year. Thebootdoctor.net offers resources for navigating New York’s job market.
However, New York has a higher-than-average cost of living, with an index rating of 123.1.
States with the most annual openings for physical therapistsAlt text: This bar graph compares the states with the most annual openings for physical therapists.
1.34. North Carolina: $95,150/year
In North Carolina, you can expect to earn a physical therapy doctor salary of $95,150 per year ($45.74 per hour). Between now and 2030, the average number of new PT jobs yearly in the state is estimated at 450. For insights into North Carolina’s job market, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average, at 98.5 on the index.
1.35. North Dakota: $88,430 year
North Dakota pays an annual Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $88,430 ($42.51 per hour). According to the PMP report, you can expect about 50 new PT jobs to open there each year. Learn more about career options in North Dakota at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in North Dakota is below the national average, at 92.8 on the index.
1.36. Ohio: $97,890/year
Whether you choose Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, or elsewhere, your average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary in Ohio is $97,890 per year—or $47.06 per hour. With an average of 510 new PT jobs each year, Ohio’s demand for PTs is growing. Explore career prospects in Ohio at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Ohio is below the national average, at 94.0 on the index.
1.37. Oklahoma: $95,450/year
Oklahoma pays its physical therapists fairly well—the mean DPT salary is $95,450 per year ($45.89 per hour). If things continue as the PMP expects, you’ll see an average of 160 new PT jobs here each year. Visit thebootdoctor.net for salary and job insights in Oklahoma.
The cost of living in Oklahoma is the state with the second-lowest cost of living in the U.S. behind only West Virginia, at 86.4 on the index.
1.38. Oregon: $100,310/year
In Oregon, PTs do fine for themselves, earning a physical therapy doctor salary of $100,310 per year ($48.22 per hour). If you’ve ever wanted to live and work in Oregon, now is your chance—there will be an average of 210 new jobs in the field each year. Thebootdoctor.net offers insights into Oregon’s job market.
The cost of living in Oregon is well above the national average, at 114.1 on the index.
1.39. Pennsylvania: $98,970/year
Pennsylvania’s average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is just below the national average at $98,970 ($47.58 per hour). Nonetheless, it’s an excellent place to start your career, with 770 new PT jobs expected yearly. Find resources for starting a career in Pennsylvania at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania comes in at just above the national average, at 95.6.
1.40. Puerto Rico: $52,690/year
Puerto Rico is an outlier on this list; the average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary comes in at $52,690 annually, or $25.33 per hour. The island is expected to open around 40 new physical therapist jobs per year. Thebootdoctor.net provides career planning information for Puerto Rico.
The cost of living in Puerto Rico is above average, at 102.6 on the index.
1.41. Rhode Island: $95,160/year
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it offers a sizable Dr. of Physical Therapy salary. At $95,160 per year ($45.75 per hour), the average wage in the state is reasonably high for the area. The PMP predicts that 60 new positions will open up each year. Check thebootdoctor.net for salary trends in Rhode Island.
The cost of living in Rhode Island is above the national average, at 113.4 on the index.
1.42. South Carolina: $94,280/year
The Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary for South Carolina-based PTs is $94,280 per year ($45.33 per hour). If the pay appeals to you, you can vie for one of the 220 annual job openings for PTs in the state. Visit thebootdoctor.net for South Carolina career prospects.
The cost of living in South Carolina is below the national average, at 97.6 on the index.
1.43. South Dakota: $89,050/year
South Dakota’s average DPT salary of $89,050 ($42.81 per hour) may seem low, but it’s adequate considering the state’s cost of living, which is 93.4 on the index—below the national average. Thebootdoctor.net offers insights into South Dakota’s job market.
With that said, roughly 60 new PT positions open each year.
1.44. Tennessee: $96,440/year
PTs in Tennessee do what they love for an average annual salary of $96,440 ($46.37 per hour). With the PMP predicting 320 new job openings each year, now is a perfect time to move to Nashville. Find relocation and career resources for Tennessee at thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Tennessee is below the national average, at 90.3 on the index.
1.45. Texas: $106,960/year
The Lone Star State pays its physical therapists well, with an average physical therapy doctor salary of $106,960 per year ($51.42 per hour). Thebootdoctor.net provides information on Texas career options.
The cost of living in Texas is below the national average, at 92.4 on the index.
1.46. Utah: $96,860/year
Utah’s average DPT salary is $96,860, or $46.57 per hour. The PMP expects an annual increase of 170 PT jobs until 2030. Thebootdoctor.net offers insights on career development in Utah.
The cost of living in Utah is above the national average, at 102.9 on the index.
1.47. Vermont: $94,380/year
In Vermont, you can expect to earn an average physical therapy doctor salary of $94,380 per year ($45.38 per hour) if you secure one of the 50 new PT jobs opening each year. For small-state job market data, visit thebootdoctor.net.
The cost of living in Vermont is above the national average, at 114.7 on the index.
1.48. Virginia: $99,850/year
Virginia ranks high for PT pay, with an average DPT salary of $99,850 annually ($48.01 per hour). The field is rapidly growing, with an estimated 420 new positions opening each year. thebootdoctor.net offers insights
