Intro
Discover the average salaries for new physical therapists in the United States. Learn about entry-level PT salaries, factors affecting pay, and growth opportunities. Get insights into median salaries, hourly rates, and top-paying industries for physical therapy professionals. Start your career with confidence and explore the financial rewards of a career in physical therapy.
As a new physical therapist, one of the most pressing concerns is often the salary. After years of education and training, it's natural to wonder what kind of compensation you can expect in your first job out of school. The good news is that physical therapists are in high demand, and salaries can be quite competitive. Here, we'll break down the average salaries for new physical therapists in different settings and locations.
Physical therapy is a rapidly growing field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 32% increase in employment opportunities by 2030. This growth, combined with a shortage of qualified physical therapists, has driven up salaries in recent years. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of employer, level of experience, and specialty.
Average Salaries for New Physical Therapists
Here are five average salary ranges for new physical therapists in different settings:
1. Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics
- Average salary: $85,000 - $110,000 per year
- Outpatient physical therapy clinics are one of the most common settings for physical therapists. These clinics provide rehabilitation services to patients who have been injured or are recovering from surgery. Salaries in outpatient clinics can vary depending on the location and type of patients treated.
2. Acute Care Hospitals
- Average salary: $80,000 - $105,000 per year
- Acute care hospitals provide medical care to patients who are acutely ill or injured. Physical therapists in acute care hospitals work with patients who are recovering from surgery, injuries, or illnesses. Salaries in acute care hospitals can be lower than in outpatient clinics, but benefits and job security are often better.
3. Rehabilitation Hospitals
- Average salary: $90,000 - $120,000 per year
- Rehabilitation hospitals provide specialized care to patients who require intensive rehabilitation services. Physical therapists in rehabilitation hospitals work with patients who have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions that require extensive rehabilitation. Salaries in rehabilitation hospitals can be higher than in acute care hospitals, but the work can be more challenging.
4. Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Average salary: $75,000 - $100,000 per year
- Skilled nursing facilities provide long-term care to patients who require ongoing medical attention. Physical therapists in skilled nursing facilities work with patients who are recovering from injuries or illnesses, or who require ongoing rehabilitation services. Salaries in skilled nursing facilities can be lower than in other settings, but the work can be rewarding.
5. Sports Physical Therapy Clinics
- Average salary: $95,000 - $125,000 per year
- Sports physical therapy clinics provide specialized care to athletes and individuals who are recovering from sports-related injuries. Physical therapists in sports physical therapy clinics work with patients who require high-level rehabilitation services to return to their sports or activities. Salaries in sports physical therapy clinics can be higher than in other settings, but the work can be demanding.
Regional Variations in Salary
Salaries for physical therapists can vary significantly depending on the region. Here are some regional variations in salary:
- Northeast: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- Midwest: $75,000 - $105,000 per year
- South: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- West: $85,000 - $120,000 per year
Specialty Salaries
Some physical therapists choose to specialize in a particular area, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or sports physical therapy. Specializing can lead to higher salaries, but it often requires additional education and training. Here are some specialty salaries for physical therapists:
- Pediatric physical therapy: $90,000 - $125,000 per year
- Geriatric physical therapy: $80,000 - $115,000 per year
- Sports physical therapy: $95,000 - $130,000 per year
- Orthopedic physical therapy: $85,000 - $120,000 per year
How to Increase Your Salary as a Physical Therapist
While salaries for physical therapists can be competitive, there are ways to increase your salary over time. Here are some tips:
- Gain experience: The more experience you have, the higher your salary is likely to be.
- Specialize: Specializing in a particular area can lead to higher salaries.
- Pursue additional education: Pursuing a residency or fellowship program can increase your salary.
- Consider working in a high-demand location: Locations with high demand for physical therapists often offer higher salaries.
- Negotiate your salary: Don't be afraid to negotiate your salary when you're offered a job.
Conclusion
Salaries for new physical therapists can vary widely depending on factors such as location, type of employer, level of experience, and specialty. However, with experience and specialization, salaries can increase over time. By understanding the average salaries for new physical therapists and how to increase your salary, you can make informed decisions about your career and negotiate a fair salary.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about salaries for new physical therapists. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share this article with your friends and colleagues who may be interested in learning more about physical therapy salaries.
What is the average salary for a new physical therapist?
+The average salary for a new physical therapist can vary depending on the location, type of employer, and specialty. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapists is around $91,440.
How do salaries for physical therapists vary by location?
+Salaries for physical therapists can vary significantly depending on the location. For example, physical therapists working in urban areas tend to earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas. Additionally, salaries can vary by region, with physical therapists working in the Northeast and West Coast tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other regions.
How can I increase my salary as a physical therapist?
+There are several ways to increase your salary as a physical therapist, including gaining experience, specializing in a particular area, pursuing additional education, and considering working in a high-demand location. Additionally, negotiating your salary when you're offered a job can also help you earn a higher salary.