A Doctor of Physical Therapy faculty-practitioner instructs USAHS DPT students.
Considering a career that is both fulfilling and financially stable? Becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can offer you just that. The field of physical therapy is not only rewarding in terms of helping people regain mobility and improve their quality of life, but it also presents a promising financial outlook. If you’re exploring healthcare professions and wondering about the earning potential, understanding the Doctor In Physical Therapy Salary is a crucial step.
So, how much can you realistically expect to earn with a DPT degree in the United States? The national median doctor in physical therapy salary is approximately $99,710 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 However, this figure is just a starting point. Your actual doctor of physical therapy salary can vary significantly based on several factors, with location being one of the most influential.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Doctor of Physical Therapy salaries across all U.S. states and territories. By examining salary projections alongside the cost of living in each region, you can gain a clearer picture of your potential earning power as a physical therapist and make informed decisions about your career path. Whether you are a prospective DPT student or a practicing physical therapist considering relocation, understanding the nuances of physical therapy doctor salary by state is essential for your financial well-being.
Table of Contents:
Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary Across the United States
Let’s delve into the earning potential for licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy across different regions of the U.S. Whether you are just starting your career after earning your physical therapy graduate degree or seeking to understand salary benchmarks, this state-by-state breakdown will be invaluable.
The salary data presented below is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected annual job openings are from the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP), and the cost of living index scores are from the Cost of Living Data Series provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. It’s important to note that the most recent BLS data available is from April 2024, and average doctor in physical therapy salaries may have evolved since then.
Understanding the details of a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary will contribute to answering a key question for many aspiring physical therapists: Is a DPT degree worth it? We believe that the data presented here will reinforce the value and financial rewards of pursuing a DPT degree.
| State | Hourly mean wage2 | Annual mean wage2 | Annual Job Openings3 | Cost of Living Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (D.C.) | $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 |
Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary in Each State: Detailed Breakdown
Below is a more detailed look at the doctor of physical therapy salary in each state, along with key factors such as cost of living and job outlook. This in-depth analysis will help you understand the financial landscape for physical therapists across the U.S.
Alabama: $96,950/year2
In Alabama, the average annual Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary is $96,950, equating to an hourly wage of $46.61. This is a competitive wage, especially considering Alabama’s cost of living index of 88.1, which is below the national average. Job prospects are also promising, with approximately 170 physical therapy job openings projected annually until 2030.3
Alaska: $110,830/year2
Alaska stands out as the third highest-paying state for physical therapists. The average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary here is $110,830 per year, or $53.28 per hour. While the projected annual job openings are lower at 30, this is proportionate to Alaska’s smaller population. The cost of living in Alaska is higher than the national average, with an index of 125.1.
Arizona: $98,960/year2
Arizona offers an annual DPT salary of $98,960, which breaks down to $47.58 per hour. The state is experiencing strong demand for healthcare professionals, with about 430 projected annual job openings for physical therapists. The cost of living in Arizona is slightly above the national average, at 110.5 on the index.
Arkansas: $92,270/year2
In Arkansas, a Doctor of Physical Therapy salary averages $92,270 per year, or $44.36 per hour. With an anticipated 140 job openings each year, opportunities for physical therapists are readily available. Arkansas also boasts a lower cost of living, with an index of 88.5, making it a financially attractive option.
California: $114,270/year2
California is the highest-paying state for physical therapists, with an impressive average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $114,270 per year ($54.94 per hour). The demand for PTs is robust in California, with a projected 1,550 annual job openings. However, the cost of living is also the second highest in the US, with an index of 145.0. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) has a San Marcos campus in California, providing excellent DPT programs in this high-demand state.
Colorado: $98,000/year2
Colorado offers an average annual physical therapy doctor salary of $98,000, or $47.12 per hour. The state anticipates around 440 new job openings for PTs each year. The cost of living in Colorado is slightly above the national average, with an index of 101.8.
Connecticut: $103,870/year2
Connecticut ranks as the ninth highest-paying state for physical therapists. The average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary is $103,870 per year ($49.94 per hour), with approximately 220 annual job openings. The cost of living in Connecticut is considerably higher than the national average, with an index of 113.2.
Delaware: $104,530/year2
In Delaware, DPTs can expect to earn an average DPT salary of $104,530 annually, or $50.26 per hour. The state projects around 70 new physical therapy jobs each year. Delaware’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, with an index of 100.9.
District of Columbia (D.C.): $103,550/year2
Physical therapists in Washington D.C. earn an hourly Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $49.78, leading to an annual salary of around $103,550. About 40 annual job openings are expected through 2030. D.C. has a very high cost of living, with an index of 144.6, making it the third most expensive area in the country.
Florida: $94,850/year2
Florida, known for its sunshine and beaches, offers an average annual Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $94,850 ($45.60 per hour). The state has a high demand for PTs, with approximately 1,040 job openings projected annually, potentially due to its large retiree population. USAHS has campuses in St. Augustine and Miami in Florida, offering excellent DPT programs. The cost of living in Florida is slightly above the national average, at 103.1 on the index.
Georgia: $99,860/year 2
In Georgia, the average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is $99,860 annually, or $48.01 per hour. The state is experiencing significant growth in the physical therapy field, with an expected 470 new job openings each year. Georgia also has a cost of living below the national average, at 91.3 on the index.
Hawaii: $103,010/year2
Hawaii provides an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $103,010 per year ($49.52 per hour). The projected annual job openings are around 50. However, it’s important to consider Hawaii’s extremely high cost of living, which is the highest in the nation at 186.2 on the index.
Idaho: $92,400/year2
Physical therapists in Idaho can expect a Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of approximately $92,400 per year, or $44.42 per hour. The state anticipates about 120 new PT jobs opening each year. The cost of living in Idaho is slightly above the national average, at 101.1 on the index.
Illinois: $104,640/year2
Illinois offers an impressive average DPT salary of $104,640 per year ($50.31 per hour). The demand for PTs is high in Illinois, with around 500 new openings projected annually. The cost of living in Illinois is slightly below the national average, at 93.3 on the index.
Indiana: $96,760/year2
Indiana provides a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $96,760 per year ($46.52 per hour). The state is expected to need approximately 310 new PTs each year until 2030. Indiana’s cost of living is below the national average, with an index of 90.3.
Iowa: $91,850/year2
The average annual DPT salary in Iowa is $91,850 ($44.16 per hour). With around 160 new job openings expected each year, Iowa presents a viable option for physical therapists. The cost of living in Iowa is below the national average, at 90.1 on the index.
Highest-paying states for physical therapists
Kansas: $93,780/year2
Kansas offers a strong average DPT salary of $93,780 per year ($45.09 per hour). Around 140 new job openings are projected annually, making Kansas a solid choice for PTs in the Midwest. Kansas also has a very low cost of living, with an index of 87.3.
Kentucky: $87,480/year2
In Kentucky, you can earn a physical therapy doctor salary of $87,480 per year, or $42.06 per hour. The state anticipates approximately 200 new PT jobs opening each year. The cost of living in Kentucky is below the national average, at 92.6 on the index.
Louisiana: $97,830/year2
Louisiana offers a competitive Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $97,830 per year ($47.04 per hour). About 160 job openings for PTs are expected annually in the state. Louisiana’s cost of living is also below average, at 92.1 on the index.
Maine: $91,720/year2
Maine’s Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is around $91,720 per year ($44.10 per hour). The state projects approximately 60 new PT jobs to open each year. While the salary is lower compared to some states, it’s still above the national median household income. The cost of living in Maine is above the national average, at 111.3 on the index.
Maryland: $105,520/year2
Maryland projects a DPT salary of approximately $105,520 per year ($50.73 per hour). Combined with an estimated 340 annual job openings, Maryland is a highly attractive state for physical therapists. The cost of living in Maryland is above the national average, at 116.2 on the index.
Massachusetts: $99,700/year2
Massachusetts offers an annual physical therapy doctor salary of $99,700 ($47.93 per hour). The state expects around 520 new job openings yearly for physical therapists. The cost of living in Massachusetts is the fourth highest in the US, with an index of 144.3.
Michigan: $95,450/year2
In Michigan, the average Dr. of Physical Therapy salary is $95,450 ($45.89 per hour). The state projects approximately 490 job openings annually, providing ample opportunities for PTs. Michigan’s cost of living is below the national average, at 91.8 on the index.
Minnesota: $97,860/year2
Minnesota’s average annual Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is $97,860 ($47.05 per hour). The state anticipates around 250 job openings each year for physical therapists. The cost of living in Minnesota is slightly below the national average, at 94.8 on the index.
Mississippi: $95,230/year2
Mississippi offers a substantial DPT salary for the region, averaging $95,230 per year ($45.79 per hour). The state projects around 110 yearly job openings. Mississippi has a very low cost of living, ranking among the top 5 least expensive states with an index of 88.3.
Missouri: $91,030/year2
Missouri provides a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $91,030 per year ($43.77 per hour). With approximately 280 job openings each year, there are good prospects for PTs. The cost of living in Missouri is below the national average, at 88.5 on the index.
Montana: $85,550/year2
The mean annual DPT salary for physical therapists in Montana is $85,550 ($41.13 per hour). Given Montana’s smaller population, an average of 80 new PT jobs annually is expected. The cost of living in Montana is slightly below the national average, at 94.6 on the index.
Nebraska: $90,870/year2
Nebraska offers a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $90,870 per year ($43.69 per hour). The state is projected to need around 130 new PTs annually. The cost of living in Nebraska is below the national average, at 93.4 on the index.
Nevada: $111,460/year2
Nevada boasts the second-highest physical therapy doctor salary after California, with a mean annual income of $111,460 ($53.59 per hour). Regardless of your prior bachelor’s degree, a DPT in Nevada can lead to a six-figure salary. Approximately 140 new PT job openings are expected annually. The cost of living in Nevada is slightly above the national average, at 102.7 on the index.
New Hampshire: $95,220/year2
New Hampshire offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $95,220 ($45.78 per hour), similar to other Northeastern states like Rhode Island. Around 80 new job openings are expected each year until 2030. The cost of living in New Hampshire is well above the national average, at 113.6 on the index.
New Jersey: $109,280/year2
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 state projects approximately 530 new job openings annually. The cost of living in New Jersey is above the national average, at 113.7 on the index.
New Mexico: $98,290/year2
New Mexico offers a good average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $98,290 ($47.26 per hour). Approximately 110 new PT jobs are expected to open yearly. New Mexico’s cost of living is below the national average at 93.6.
New York: $100,810/year2
New York provides an average DPT salary of $100,810 per year ($48.47 per hour). Given New York’s large population, it’s no surprise that approximately 1,370 new PT jobs are projected to open each year. However, New York’s cost of living is higher than average, with an index of 123.1.
States with the most annual openings for physical therapists
North Carolina: $95,150/year2
In North Carolina, you can expect a physical therapy doctor salary of $95,150 per year ($45.74 per hour). The state projects approximately 450 new PT jobs yearly. The cost of living in North Carolina is slightly below the national average, at 98.5 on the index.
North Dakota: $88,430 year2
North Dakota offers an annual Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $88,430 ($42.51 per hour). About 50 new PT jobs are expected to open there each year. North Dakota’s cost of living is below the national average, at 92.8 on the index.
Ohio: $97,890/year2
Ohio provides an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $97,890 per year ($47.06 per hour). With approximately 510 new PT jobs each year, Ohio shows growing demand for physical therapists. The cost of living in Ohio is below the national average, at 94.0 on the index.
Oklahoma: $95,450/year2
Oklahoma pays its physical therapists a mean DPT salary of $95,450 per year ($45.89 per hour). Approximately 160 new PT jobs are projected each year. Oklahoma has the second-lowest cost of living in the U.S., with an index of 86.4.
Oregon: $100,310/year2
Oregon offers a physical therapy doctor salary of $100,310 per year ($48.22 per hour). Approximately 210 new jobs in physical therapy are expected each year. The cost of living in Oregon is well above the national average, at 114.1 on the index.
Pennsylvania: $98,970/year2
Pennsylvania’s average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is slightly below the national average at $98,970 ($47.58 per hour). However, it’s a great place to start a career with 770 new PT jobs expected yearly. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is just above the national average, at 95.6.
Puerto Rico: $52,690/year2
Puerto Rico is an outlier with a significantly lower average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $52,690 annually, or $25.33 per hour. The island is expected to have around 40 new physical therapist jobs per year. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is above average, at 102.6 on the index.
Rhode Island: $95,160/year2
Rhode Island, despite being the smallest state, offers a reasonable Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $95,160 per year ($45.75 per hour). Approximately 60 new positions are projected to open up each year. The cost of living in Rhode Island is above the national average, at 113.4 on the index.
South Carolina: $94,280/year2
The Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary in South Carolina is $94,280 per year ($45.33 per hour). Approximately 220 annual job openings for PTs are expected in the state. The cost of living in South Carolina is below the national average, at 97.6 on the index.
South Dakota: $89,050/year2
South Dakota’s average DPT salary is $89,050 ($42.81 per hour). Considering the state’s below-average cost of living (index of 93.4), this salary is quite adequate. Roughly 60 new PT positions open each year.
Tennessee: $96,440/year2
Physical therapists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $96,440 ($46.37 per hour). With approximately 320 new job openings projected each year, Tennessee offers good career prospects. The cost of living in Tennessee is below the national average, at 90.3 on the index.
Texas: $106,960/year2
Texas pays its physical therapists well, with an average physical therapy doctor salary of $106,960 per year ($51.42 per hour). Texas is home to two USAHS campuses (Austin and Dallas), and offers approximately 1,150 new PT jobs annually. The cost of living in Texas is below the national average, at 92.4 on the index.
Utah: $96,860/year2
Utah’s average DPT salary is $96,860, or $46.57 per hour. The state projects an annual increase of 170 PT jobs until 2030. The cost of living in Utah is slightly above the national average, at 102.9 on the index.
Vermont: $94,380/year2
Vermont offers an average physical therapy doctor salary of $94,380 per year ($45.38 per hour). Approximately 50 new PT jobs are projected to open each year. The cost of living in Vermont is above the national average, at 114.7 on the index.
Virginia: $99,850/year2
Virginia ranks well for PT pay, with an average DPT salary of $99,850 annually ($48.01 per hour). The field is growing, with an estimated 420 new positions opening each year. Virginia’s cost of living is just above the national average, at 101.3 on the index.
Washington: $101,480/year2
Washington state offers a Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $101,480 per year ($48.79 per hour). There is significant demand, with approximately 850 new jobs projected each year. The cost of living in Washington is above the national average, at 115.1 on the index.
West Virginia: $94,130/year2
West Virginia offers an annual DPT salary of $94,130 ($45.25 per hour). Approximately 110 new job openings are expected each year. West Virginia has the lowest cost of living in the country, with an index of 83.8.
Wisconsin: $95,180/year2
Wisconsin provides an average physical therapy doctor salary of $95,180 per year ($45.76 per hour). The state is expected to add 310 PT jobs every year until 2030. Wisconsin’s cost of living is below the national average, at 97.0 on the index.
Wyoming: $93,190/year2
Wyoming offers a mean DPT salary of $93,190 per year ($44.80 per hour). The state projects approximately 40 new PT jobs per year. The cost of living in Wyoming is below the national average, at 95.1 on the index.
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FAQ About Doctor of Physical Therapy Careers and Salaries
If you’re considering a career as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, you likely have questions beyond just salary. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to give you a broader understanding of this rewarding profession.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist is a healthcare expert trained to help individuals improve movement, reduce pain, and recover from injuries or illnesses.8 They work with patients across the lifespan, from children to seniors, to restore function, promote wellness, and enhance their overall quality of life. Physical therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Physical Therapist and Start Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary?
The journey to becoming a physical therapist typically takes between three to eight years. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. At USAHS, our residential DPT program can be completed in as little as 2.3 years, while our flexible programs can take 3 years.* After graduating with your DPT, you’ll need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain licensure to begin practicing and earning a doctor in physical therapy salary.
What is the Job Outlook for Doctors of Physical Therapy?
The job outlook for physical therapists is exceptionally strong. The BLS projects a 15% growth in employment for physical therapists by 2032, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 13,900 job openings annually.9 This positive job outlook, combined with a competitive doctor in physical therapy salary, makes it a very attractive career path.
What Steps Are Involved in Becoming a Physical Therapist?
The path to becoming a physical therapist generally involves these key steps:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Typically in a related field such as biology, exercise science, or kinesiology.
- Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE): Successfully complete this national licensure exam.10
- Obtain State Licensure: Apply for and receive a license to practice physical therapy in your desired state.
Can Specialization Impact Your Doctor in Physical Therapy Salary?
Yes, specialization can potentially influence your earning potential as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognizes 10 specialist certifications for physical therapists.11 While specific salary data for each specialization varies, developing expertise in a specialized area can lead to increased demand and potentially higher compensation. Common specializations include orthopedics, sports, neurology, and pediatrics. Further education and certifications in these areas can demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge, which may translate to a higher doctor in physical therapy salary.
Maximize Your DPT Salary Potential with a Degree from USAHS
USAHS is the leading conferrer of DPT degrees in the United States.*** With a rich history in physical therapy education dating back to 1979, USAHS boasts experienced faculty-practitioners dedicated to guiding you towards a successful career.
Understanding the potential doctor in physical therapy salary is just one aspect of choosing this profession. USAHS offers flexible DPT program options to fit your life:
- Residential DPT Pathway: Combines online learning with hands-on, in-person labs and sessions.
- Hybrid Immersion DPT Pathway****: Features online coursework with focused in-person lab immersions each term.
- Flex DPT Pathway: Offers online coursework with convenient in-person labs on select weekends.
Request more information about our DPT programs or apply today to take the first step towards a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in physical therapy.
*Time to completion may vary by student.
**Salary data may not reflect starting pay for recent graduates and is based on limited, self-reported data.
***Based on total DPT degrees conferred, IPEDS data.
****Hybrid Immersion DPT program expansion pending CAPTE approval.
