Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Salary Guide [2024]

Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) offers you one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. This is true from several perspectives—including a financial one.

How much does a DPT make on average in the U.S.? The median Doctor of Physical Therapy salary is $99,710.¹

This figure only tells half of the story. The typical DPT salary fluctuates due to multiple variables, such as which physical therapy advancement opportunities you pursue. Location is one of the most important factors.

To better understand your potential salary with a DPT, we will explore wage projections from each U.S. state and territory.

Table of Contents:

• Physical Therapy Doctor Salary by State
• FAQ
• Increase Your Earning Potential With a DPT From USAHS

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.

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

Delaware: $104,530/year²

How much do DPTs make in Delaware? They earn an average DPT salary of $104,530 annually or $50.26 per hour. PMP projects a yearly increase of around 70 physical therapy jobs in the state.³

The cost of living in Delaware is slightly above the national average, at 100.9 on the index.⁴

District of Columbia (D.C.): $103,550/year²

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. As for job openings, you’ll find an average of 40 annually through 2030, making D.C. a good place to start your private practice.³

The cost of living in D.C. is 144.6 on the index—it’s the third-most expensive place to live in the country, behind only California and Hawaii. ⁴

Florida: $94,850/year²

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. The Sunshine State is home to USAHS’ St. Augustine and Miami campuses, where you can earn your DPT degree within sight of the beach.

Perhaps because the state is a hot spot for retirees, there are an estimated 1,040 PT job openings yearly.³

The cost of living in Florida is above the national average, at 103.1 on the index.⁴

Georgia: $99,860/year ²

How much does a Doctor of Physical Therapy make in Georgia, the Peach State? You can expect a DPT salary of $99,860 annually or $48.01 per hour.

The career is experiencing significant growth in the state—the PMP expects 470 new job openings every year.³

The cost of living in Georgia is below the national average, at 91.3 on the index.⁴

Hawaii: $103,010/year²

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 50.³

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.⁴

Idaho: $92,400/year²

Physical therapists in Idaho can bring home 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.³

The cost of living in Idaho is below the national average, at 101.1 on the index.⁴

Illinois: $104,640/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Illinois is below the national average, at 93.3 on the index.⁴

Indiana: $96,760/year²

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 2030.³

The cost of living in Indiana is below the national average, at 90.3 on the index.⁴

Iowa: $91,850/year²

How much do Doctors of Physical Therapy make in Iowa? Iowa’s average annual DPT salary is $91,850 ($44.16 per hour). With around 160 new jobs opening each year, the Hawkeye State could be a worthwhile destination.³

The cost of living in Iowa is below the national average, at 90.1 on the index.⁴

Kansas: $93,780/year²

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.³

Kansas is one of the least expensive states to live in, with a cost of living of 87.3 on the index.⁴

Kentucky: $87,480/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Kentucky is below the national average, at 92.6 on the index.⁴

Louisiana: $97,830/year²

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.³

Louisiana’s below-average cost of living—92.1 on the index—is another plus.⁴

Maine: $91,720/year²

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 2022.⁶ So, if you’re wondering if a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is worth it, here’s your answer.

The PMP anticipates about 60 new PT jobs to open in Maine each year between now and 2030.³

The cost of living in Maine is above the national average, at 111.3 on the index.⁴

Maryland: $105,520/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Maryland is above the national average, at 116.2 on the index.⁴

Massachusetts: $99,700/year²

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.

Throughout the state, the PMP expects around 520 new job openings yearly.³

The cost of living in Massachusetts is the fourth-highest in the country, at 144.3 on the index.⁴

Michigan: $95,450/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Michigan is below the national average, at 91.8 on the index.⁴

Minnesota: $97,860/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Minnesota is below the national average, at 94.8 on the index.⁴

Mississippi: $95,230/year²

PTs in Mississippi earn a substantial DPT salary for the area. $95,230 per year ($45.79 per hour) is a respectable wage anywhere.

The PMP projects 110 yearly job openings on average.³

Mississippi is among the top 5 least expensive states, with an index rating of 88.3.

Missouri: $91,030/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Missouri is below the national average, at 88.5 on the index.⁴

Montana: $85,550/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Montana is below the national average, at 94.6 on the index.⁴

Nebraska: $90,870/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Nebraska is below the national average, at 93.4 on the index.⁴

Nevada: $111,460/year²

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.

On average, you can expect around 140 new PT job openings in the state each year.³

The cost of living in Nevada is above the national average, at 102.7 on the index.⁴

New Hampshire: $95,220/year²

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.³

The cost of living in New Hampshire is well above the national average, at 113.6 on the index.⁴

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 PMP predicts that 530 new jobs will open in New Jersey each year.³

The cost of living in New Jersey is above the national average, at 113.7 on the index.⁴

New Mexico: $98,290/year²

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.³

The good news is that New Mexico’s cost of living is below the national average at 93.6.⁴

New York: $100,810/year²

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.^7,3

However, New York has a higher-than-average cost of living, with an index rating of 123.1.⁴

North Carolina: $95,150/year²

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 450.³

The cost of living in North Carolina is below the national average, at 98.5 on the index.⁴

North Dakota: $88,430 year²

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.³

The cost of living in North Dakota is below the national average, at 92.8 on the index.⁴

Ohio: $97,890/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Ohio is below the national average, at 94.0 on the index.⁴

Oklahoma: $95,450/year²

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.³

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. ⁴

Oregon: $100,310/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Oregon is well above the national average, at 114.1 on the index.⁴

Pennsylvania: $98,970/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Pennsylvania comes in at just above the national average, at 95.6.⁴

Puerto Rico: $52,690/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Puerto Rico is above average, at 102.6 on the index.⁴

Rhode Island: $95,160/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Rhode Island is above the national average, at 113.4 on the index.⁴

South Carolina: $94,280/year²

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.³

The cost of living in South Carolina is below the national average, at 97.6 on the index.⁴

South Dakota: $89,050/year²

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.⁴

With that said, roughly 60 new PT positions open each year.³

Tennessee: $96,440/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Tennessee is below the national average, at 90.3 on the index.⁴

Texas: $106,960/year²

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). Texas is home to two USAHS campuses (Austin and Dallas), so you can transition into one of the 1,150 new PT jobs after graduation.³

The cost of living in Texas is below the national average, at 92.4 on the index.⁴

Utah: $96,860/year²

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 ³

The cost of living in Utah is above the national average, at 102.9 on the index.⁴

Vermont: $94,380/year²

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.³

The cost of living in Vermont is above the national average, at 114.7 on the index.⁴

Virginia: $99,850/year²

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.³

Virginia’s cost of living is just above the national average—101.3 on the index.⁴

Washington: $101,480/year²

Move to the Pacific Northwest, and you could make a Dr. of Physical Therapy salary of $101,480 per year ($48.79 per hour). There’s a lot of demand, too, with an average of 850 new jobs each year.³

The cost of living in Washington is above the national average, at 115.1 on the index.⁴

West Virginia: $94,130/year²

If you’re willing to relocate to West Virginia, your annual DPT salary could reach $94,130 ($45.25 per hour)—if you secure one of the 110 new job openings each year.³

West Virginia’s cost of living is the lowest in the country, at 83.8 on the index.

Wisconsin: $95,180/year²

How much can you earn in America’s dairyland? You’re looking at an average physical therapy doctor salary of $95,180 per year ($45.76 per hour). Wisconsin is expected to add 310 PT jobs every year until 2030.³

Wisconsin’s cost of living is also below the national average, at 97.0 on the index.⁴

Wyoming: $93,190/year²

Last is Wyoming, where the mean DPT salary is $93,190 per year ($44.80 per hour). The PMP estimates the average number of new PT jobs at 40 per year.³

The cost of living in Wyoming is below the national average, at 95.1 on the index.⁴

Want to know more about our PT programs?

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FAQ

Are you unsure if physical therapy is the right career for you? Check out the answers to these common questions to learn more.

What Is a Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a trained healthcare professional who helps people suffering from injuries or illnesses improve their range of motion and manage pain.⁸ They work with people of all ages, often as part of a healthcare team, to improve patients’ quality of life.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Physical Therapist?

Typically, it takes anywhere from three to eight years to become a physical therapist. First, earn a bachelor’s degree, which often takes four years to complete, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). At USAHS, our residential DPT program can take 2.3 years to complete, while our flex program (a mix of online and in-person learning) can take 3 years.*

What Is the Job Outlook for Physical Therapists?

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.⁹

How Do You Become a Physical Therapist?

Most physical therapists typically become a physical therapist by:

1. Completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as kinesiology or biology
2. Earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution
3. Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)¹⁰
4. Getting licensed in their state.

What Physical Therapy Specialization Earns the Highest Income?

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers 10 specialty areas for physical therapists, and some may earn more than others.¹¹

Increase Your DPT Salary Potential with a Degree from USAHS

USAHS confers more degrees than any other physical therapy program in the country.*** As a pioneer of physical therapy education since 1979, our programs have unrivaled faculty-practitioners ready to guide you on your path to becoming a physical therapist.

We know not everyone can commit to earning their DPT full-time, so we offer two different programs designed with you in mind:

• Residential DPT Pathway: Blended coursework with online components and in-person sessions, including immersive weekly labs
• Hybrid Immersion DPT Pathway****: Online coursework with, on average, two immersive in-person labs per term
• Flex DPT Pathway: Online coursework with in-person labs on select weekends

Request more information about our DPT program and apply today to start your journey to a rewarding physical therapy career.

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.

**The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for general informational purposes only. PayScale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers. Please be aware that the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the data may vary due to its voluntary nature and limited scope. While efforts are made to maintain the data’s accuracy, we cannot guarantee its absolute correctness or currency.

***Based on total DPT degrees conferred, as reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data is captured by IPEDS through interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/.

*****The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is seeking approval from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for an expansion of its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at its San Marcos, CA, and Miami, FL, campuses with a Hybrid Immersion model. Approval of the expansion programs is required prior to implementation.

Applicants interested in the Hybrid Immersion DPT format should contact an enrollment advisor using the request for information form on our site.

Sources:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: Summary,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm.
2. U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics,” Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System, May 2023, https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/occGeo/One%20occupation%20for%20multiple%20geographical%20areas
3. State Employment Projections Managing Partnership, “Long-Term Occupational Projections (2020-2030),” Projections Central, https://www.projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=&AreaNameSelect%5B%5D=1&Name=%3D&NameSelect%5B%5D=594&items_per_page=50.
4. Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, “Cost of Living Data Series,” Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, 2024 1st Quarter, https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series.
5. US Census Bureau, “Quick Facts: Alaska,” U.S Census Bureau, July 1, 2023, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AK/PST045222.
6. US Census Bureau, “Quick Facts: Maine,” U.S Census Bureau, July 1, 2023, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ME/INC11022.
7. US Census Bureau, “Quick Facts: New York,” U.S Census Bureau, July 1, 2023, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/NY/PST045222.
8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapists: What Physical Therapists Do,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-2.
9. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Physical Therapist: Job Outlook,” BLS, April 17, 2024 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-6.
10. “Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy,” FSBPT, 2024, https://www.fsbpt.org/
11. “APTA Specialist Certification – Governed by ABPTS”, APTA, 2024, https://specialization.apta.org/.