Is understanding a doctor’s potential earnings on your mind? This article dives into how much a doctor’s salary is and all the influencing factors. At thebootdoctor.net, we aim to provide clear, actionable information to help you understand career paths and potential income, including the compensation for medical professionals. Let’s explore doctor compensation, benefits packages, and income potential for doctors.
Table of Contents:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary: An Overview
- Factors Influencing a Doctor’s Salary
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary by State
- Alabama: $96,950/year
- Alaska: $110,830/year
- Arizona: $98,960/year
- Arkansas: $92,270/year
- California: $114,270/year
- Colorado: $98,000/year
- Connecticut: $103,870/year
- Delaware: $104,530/year
- District of Columbia (D.C.): $103,550/year
- Florida: $94,850/year
- Georgia: $99,860/year
- Hawaii: $103,010/year
- Idaho: $92,400/year
- Illinois: $104,640/year
- Indiana: $96,760/year
- Iowa: $91,850/year
- Kansas: $93,780/year
- Kentucky: $87,480/year
- Louisiana: $97,830/year
- Maine: $91,720/year
- Maryland: $105,520/year
- Massachusetts: $99,700/year
- Michigan: $95,450/year
- Minnesota: $97,860/year
- Mississippi: $95,230/year
- Missouri: $91,030/year
- Montana: $85,550/year
- Nebraska: $90,870/year
- Nevada: $111,460/year
- New Hampshire: $95,220/year
- New Jersey: $109,280/year
- New Mexico: $98,290/year
- New York: $100,810/year
- North Carolina: $95,150/year
- North Dakota: $88,430 year
- Ohio: $97,890/year
- Oklahoma: $95,450/year
- Oregon: $100,310/year
- Pennsylvania: $98,970/year
- Puerto Rico: $52,690/year
- Rhode Island: $95,160/year
- South Carolina: $94,280/year
- South Dakota: $89,050/year
- Tennessee: $96,440/year
- Texas: $106,960/year
- Utah: $96,860/year
- Vermont: $94,380/year
- Virginia: $99,850/year
- Washington: $101,480/year
- West Virginia: $94,130/year
- Wisconsin: $95,180/year
- Wyoming: $93,190/year
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1. What Is The Average Doctor Salary?
The average doctor’s salary varies significantly based on a number of factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $229,300 in May 2023. However, this number serves as a broad overview, and compensation can fluctuate greatly depending on specialization, location, years of experience, and the type of employment (e.g., private practice, hospital, or academic institution).
Factors Affecting Average Doctor Salary
- Specialty: Certain medical specialties command higher salaries due to the demand, complexity, and level of expertise required.
- Location: Urban areas and states with higher costs of living often offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses.
- Experience: As with most professions, years of experience and expertise contribute to increased earning potential.
- Type of Employment: Doctors working in private practice may have different income structures compared to those employed by hospitals or universities.
2. What Specialties Command The Highest Doctor Salaries?
Certain medical specialties are known for their high earning potential. These specialties often require extensive training, involve complex procedures, or are in high demand. Here are some of the highest-paying medical specialties:
- Surgeons: Surgeons, especially those specializing in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, are among the highest-paid doctors. The intricate procedures and high-risk nature of their work contribute to their increased compensation.
- Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists play a critical role in surgical procedures and pain management. Their expertise is highly valued, leading to significant earning potential.
- Specialized Physicians: Doctors specializing in fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and oncology often receive higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills required.
- Radiologists: Radiologists, particularly interventional radiologists, are in high demand for their ability to diagnose and treat conditions using medical imaging techniques.
3. How Does Location Impact Doctor Compensation?
The location where a doctor practices significantly affects their earning potential. Areas with higher costs of living, greater demand for medical services, and larger populations tend to offer higher salaries. Here’s how location impacts a doctor’s salary:
- Urban vs. Rural Areas: Urban areas typically offer higher salaries due to the increased cost of living and higher demand for specialized medical services. Rural areas, while potentially offering lower base salaries, may provide loan repayment programs and other incentives to attract doctors.
- State-Level Variations: States with larger populations and higher healthcare spending, such as California, New York, and Texas, often have higher average doctor salaries.
- Cost of Living: States with lower costs of living may offer lower salaries, but the overall financial benefit can be similar due to reduced living expenses.
4. What Is The Impact Of Experience And Expertise On Salary?
A doctor’s salary typically increases with experience and the development of expertise. Here’s how these factors influence compensation:
- Years in Practice: Entry-level doctors usually start with lower salaries, which gradually increase as they gain experience and build a patient base.
- Specialized Training: Additional certifications, fellowships, and specialized training programs can lead to higher earning potential.
- Reputation and Recognition: Doctors with a strong reputation and recognition within their field often command higher salaries due to increased demand for their services.
5. How Does The Type Of Employment Affect Physician Earnings?
The type of employment (private practice, hospital, academic institution) can significantly impact a doctor’s earnings. Each setting offers different compensation structures and benefits:
- Private Practice: Doctors in private practice have the potential to earn more, but they also bear the responsibility of managing the business, including overhead costs, staffing, and administrative tasks.
- Hospitals: Hospital-employed doctors typically receive a fixed salary with benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Academic Institutions: Doctors in academic settings may have lower base salaries, but they often have opportunities for research grants, teaching stipends, and other benefits.
6. What Is The Salary Of A Doctor of Physical Therapy?
The median Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is $99,710. Location is one of the most important factors to determine your potential salary with a DPT. Let’s examine your potential future after you have earned a physical therapy graduate degree and become licensed.
Physical therapy students work with their professor.
Annual salary data is 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. The most recent numbers from BLS are from April 2024, and the average Dr. of Physical Therapy Salary may have changed since publication.
7. How Do Doctor Benefits And Perks Factor Into Total Compensation?
In addition to base salary, benefits and perks play a crucial role in a doctor’s total compensation package. These benefits can significantly enhance a doctor’s financial well-being and quality of life:
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, is a standard benefit for most doctors.
- Retirement Plans: Retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or pensions, help doctors save for their future.
- Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays provide doctors with opportunities for rest and relaxation.
- Malpractice Insurance: Malpractice insurance protects doctors from liability in case of medical errors or patient claims.
- Continuing Medical Education (CME): CME allowances cover the costs of attending conferences, workshops, and other educational activities to stay updated on the latest medical advancements.
8. What Is The Future Outlook For Doctor Salaries?
The future outlook for doctor salaries remains positive, driven by increasing demand for healthcare services, an aging population, and advancements in medical technology. Here’s what to expect:
- Rising Demand: The demand for doctors is expected to grow in the coming years, leading to increased job opportunities and competitive salaries.
- Specialty-Specific Trends: Certain specialties, such as geriatrics and telehealth, are expected to experience particularly high demand due to demographic shifts and technological advancements.
- Healthcare Policy Changes: Healthcare policy changes, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), can impact doctor salaries by influencing reimbursement rates and healthcare access.
9. What Are The Key Skills Needed To Maximize Doctor Earning Potential?
To maximize their earning potential, doctors need a combination of clinical skills, business acumen, and interpersonal abilities. Here are some key skills:
- Clinical Excellence: Providing high-quality patient care and achieving positive outcomes is essential for building a strong reputation and attracting patients.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients, colleagues, and staff is crucial for building trust and fostering a positive work environment.
- Leadership Abilities: Leadership skills are essential for managing teams, leading departments, and influencing healthcare policies.
- Business Acumen: Understanding the financial aspects of healthcare, including billing, coding, and practice management, can help doctors optimize their earnings.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing healthcare trends, technological advancements, and policy changes is essential for long-term success.
10. Is It Worth Getting a Doctorate Of Physical Therapy?
Yes, physical therapy is a good career option for many people because it allows them to help others live better lives. It has a strong job outlook, with the BLS predicting employment for physical therapists to grow 15% by 2032 with an average of 13,900 openings annually.
Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary by State
Let’s examine your potential future after you have earned a physical therapy graduate degree and become licensed—no matter where you find yourself.
Annual salary data is 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. Note that the most recent numbers from BLS are from April 2024, and the average Dr. of Physical Therapy Salary may have changed since publication.
Learning more about a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary will help you answer: Is a DPT degree worth it? We think you’ll agree it is.
| 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 |
Alabama: $96,950/year2
Per BLS, the mean annual wage of a Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary in Alabama is $96,950. That’s $46.61 per hour in a state with a relatively low cost of living. The PMP expects to see around 170 PT job openings each year until 2030.3
The cost of living in Alabama is below the national average, at 88.1 on the index.4
Alaska: $110,830/year2
Up north, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary, on average, is $110,830 per year ($53.28 per hour). Alaska is the third highest-paying state for PTs.
And while the average number of annual job openings may seem low at 30, that figure is consistent with Alaska’s population of less than 735,000.3,5
The cost of living in Alaska is above the national average, at 125.1 on the index.4
Arizona: $98,960/year2
Arizona’s annual DPT salary is $98,960, or $47.58 per hour. Health professionals are in demand in the state. Arizona projects that there will be 430 job openings for PTs in the state each year between now and 2030.3
The cost of living in Arizona is above the national average at 110.5 on the index.4
Arkansas: $92,270/year2
If you work at a doctor’s office, hospital or another PT setting in Arkansas, you could earn an average Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $92,270/year (or $44.36 per hour). With 140 job openings expected each year, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply.3
The cost of living in Arkansas is below the national average, at 88.5 on the index.4
California: $114,270/year2
A licensed physical therapist working in the Golden State is well-paid. California is the highest-paying state for PTs, with a mean Doctor of Physical Therapy salary of $114,270 per year ($54.94 per hour).
PT demand is growing in this large state that values exercise and sports. The PMP predicts that 1,550 physical therapy jobs will open each year.3
The cost of living in California is second-highest, behind only Hawaii, at 145.0 on the index.4
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) San Marcos campus is a great place to study if you want to pursue physical therapy in California.
Colorado: $98,000/year2
Even if the mountains don’t call to you, an average annual physical therapy doctor salary of $98,000 for Colorado-based PTs might. With a predicted 440 new job openings each year, you could earn $47.12 per hour sooner than you think.2,3
The cost of living in Colorado is above the national average, at 101.8 on the index.4
Connecticut: $103,870/year2
As the ninth highest-paying state for PTs, Connecticut is a worthy destination for those looking to practice physical therapy. With an average Doctorate of Physical Therapy salary of $103,870 per year ($49.94 per hour) and around 220 yearly job openings, the state provides a promising opportunity for those willing to relocate.2,3
The cost of living in Connecticut is well above the national average, at 113.2 on the index.4
