Factors That Affect Physical Therapist Salaries: Location, Experience, and More
Physical therapy is an in-demand career, but how much a physical therapist makes can vary greatly based on a number of factors. The average salary of a physical therapist in the United States is around $95,620 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the actual salary of a physical therapist can vary greatly based on factors such as factors location, years of experience, type of employer, and level of education and certification. In this article, we will explore these factors in greater detail and help you understand how they can impact your salary as a physical therapist.
- Location
The location in which a physical therapist works can have a major impact on their salary. In general, physical therapy salaries tend to be higher in urban areas and lower in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas and the greater demand for physical therapy services in these areas. In addition, some states have higher salaries for physical therapists compared to others. For example, physical therapists in California, New York, and Texas tend to earn higher salaries than those in other states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the states with the highest average salary for physical therapists in the US include:
- Nevada: $111,110
- Alaska: $106,870
- New Jersey: $103,900
- California: $102,500
- Oregon: $102,430
On the other hand, the states with the lowest average salary for physical therapists include:
- West Virginia: $76,890
- Alabama: $79,660
- Arkansas: $79,690
- Mississippi: $79,840
- Oklahoma: $81,260
- Experience
Another important factor that affects physical therapist salaries is years of experience. As with most careers, physical therapists tend to earn more as they gain more experience. This is because they become more skilled and knowledgeable in their field and are therefore able to provide higher quality services to their patients. Physical therapists with several years of experience may also be able to command higher salaries due to their reputation and track record of success. Here's a general overview of how physical therapist salaries can change with experience:
- Entry-level physical therapists: $70,000 to $80,000
- Physical therapists with 1-5 years of experience: $75,000 to $90,000
- Physical therapists with 6-10 years of experience: $80,000 to $100,000
- Physical therapists with 11-20 years of experience: $90,000 to $120,000
- Experienced physical therapists with over 20 years of experience: $100,000 to $140,000 or more
- Type of Employer
The type of employer that a physical therapist works for can also impact their salary. Physical therapists who work in private practices or clinics typically earn higher salaries than those who work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. This is because private practices and clinics tend to be more profitable and can therefore afford to pay their employees more. In addition, physical therapists who work in sports medicine or research may also earn higher salaries than those who work in other settings. Here's a general overview of how physical therapist salaries can vary based on type of employer:
- Hospitals: Physical therapists working in hospitals may earn a salary of $80,000 to $100,000.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Physical therapists working in rehabilitation centers may earn a salary of $75,000 to $90,000.
- Private Practices: Physical therapists working in private practices may earn a salary of $90,000 to $120,000.
- Long-term Care Facilities: Physical therapists working in long-term care facilities may earn a salary of $75,000 to $90,000.
- Education and Certification
Education and certification can also have a major impact on physical therapist salaries. Physical therapists who have advanced degrees and certifications in their field are often able to command higher salaries than those who do not. For example, a physical therapist with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and board certification may earn significantly more than a physical therapist with a basic degree and no certification. Here's a general overview of how physical therapist salaries can vary based on education and certification:
- Bachelor's Degree: Physical therapists with a bachelor's degree in physical therapy may earn a salary of $70,000 to $90,000.
- Master's Degree: Physical therapists with a master's degree in physical therapy may earn a salary of $80,000 to $100,000.
- Doctorate Degree: Physical therapists with a doctorate degree in physical therapy may earn a salary of $90,000 to $120,000.
In addition to advanced degrees, physical therapists may also seek certifications to demonstrate their expertise and competence in their field. Here are a few certifications that can impact a physical therapist's salary:
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS): Physical therapists who hold the OCS certification may earn a salary of $85,000 to $105,000.
- Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS): Physical therapists who hold the NCS certification may earn a salary of $85,000 to $105,000.
- Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Physical therapists who hold the GCS certification may earn a salary of $85,000 to $105,000.
There are a number of other factors that can impact physical therapist salaries as well. These include the size of the employer, the type of patients that the physical therapist works with, and the type of physical therapy services that they provide. For example, physical therapists who work with athletes or patients who have chronic conditions may earn higher salaries than those who work with patients who have less severe conditions.
In conclusion, the salary of a physical therapist can be influenced by a number of factors, including location, experience, type of employer, and level of education and certification. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your career as a physical therapist and ensure that you are earning a fair and competitive salary. Whether you are just starting out in your career or you have been practicing for several years, it is always important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in your field.