Physical therapist pay
What physical therapists earn — and keep — in 2026
Physical therapy is a doctoral-level healthcare profession with six-figure median pay. The BLS puts the median physical therapist at $101,020 (May 2024), with the top 10% over $130,000. Home-health, skilled-nursing and travel roles tend to pay above the median; outpatient clinics may pay a bit less for steadier hours.
Where a PT's paycheck goes
On the $101,020 median, a single PT pays federal income tax into the 22%–24% brackets after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. Earnings above $200,000 (rare for a single PT but possible with overtime or a second role) trigger the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax.
The highest-paying states for physical therapists
Average pay runs highest in Nevada, California, Texas, New Jersey and Connecticut. Nevada and Texas levy no state income tax, so they top the list for take-home; California taxes its high wages more.
Compare PT with other healthcare careers
See how physical therapist pay compares with a registered nurse or dental hygienist, or check your exact net in Texas.
Questions
Physical Therapist Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a physical therapist make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $101,020 for physical therapists (May 2024). Pay is strong nationwide; the top 10% earn over $130,000. Home-health, skilled-nursing and travel PT roles often pay above the median, while outpatient clinics may pay somewhat less in exchange for predictable hours.
What is a physical therapist's take-home pay on $101,020?
A single PT earning the $101,020 median takes home roughly $74,000 to $76,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, and closer to $69,000 in high-tax California. Because the DPT often comes with student debt, many PTs prioritize pre-tax retirement and loan strategies — pre-tax contributions lower the federal bite.
Does a DPT degree raise a physical therapist's pay?
The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is now the entry-level standard, so it doesn't add a premium over peers — but board certification in a specialty (orthopedics, neurology, sports) and experience do. Travel and home-health assignments frequently pay above the median. Enter your actual salary for an accurate take-home.
Which states pay physical therapists the most?
Nevada, California, Texas, New Jersey and Connecticut report the highest average PT wages. Nevada and Texas have no state income tax, so they combine strong pay with high take-home, while California and New Jersey tax their high wages more heavily.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physical Therapists (median $101,020, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
← Back to the national salary calculator · Related: Registered nurse · Dental hygienist · Nevada · Texas