Are Physical Therapy Salaries Increasing?
Blog salaries increasing

It’s no secret that the cost of running a physical therapy practice is rising. But what about you, the PT delivering the care?

Are physical therapy salaries keeping up? 

The short answer: yes, but not evenly. 

The average Physical Therapy salary in 2024 was $101,020, according to the US News & World Report. That was a slight increase. Some regions are seeing PT salaries above $114,000. If you are in the top 10% of earners, you can expect to take home more than $130,870 a year.

1. National Averages Are Climbing 

Physical Therapist salaries have seen steady gains year over year. While some markets remain flat, most regions are seeing modest increases. 

While the average has gone up nationwide, where you practice matters. For example: 

  • California: $114,270 

  • Nevada: $111,460 

  • New Jersey: $109,280 

These states top the list for PT pay, driven by higher cost of living and demand. 

2. Specialization Drives Higher Pay 

PTs with advanced training or board certifications tend to earn more. For example:

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialists (OCS) and Neurologic Clinical Specialists (NCS) typically command higher salaries. 
  • Pelvic health and vestibular therapy are growing areas with fewer specialists, creating room for premium compensation. 

3. Clinic Reimbursement Impacts Salaries

Your clinic’s payer mix and billing efficiency play a major role. Reimbursement rates from private insurance, Workers' Comp and Auto Injury cases impact how much clinics can afford to pay. 

That’s why clinics using BOOST - which increases Workers’ Comp and MVA claim reimbursements by $53 per visit on average - often have more flexibility to pay staff competitively. 

4. Location Matters 

States with strong healthcare networks or greater demand for outpatient rehab services tend to offer higher pay.

    • Rural areas may offer sign-on bonuses or loan repayment incentives but come with lower base pay. 

    • Urban or high-cost-of-living areas may offer higher base compensation but come with more competition. 

5. Staff vs. Owner Gap

Clinic owners who leverage smart billing strategies often see income growth outpacing staff raises. Rather than just more patients, it's better reimbursement strategy that drives profitability. 

Bottom Line

PT salaries are rising, but not evenly. Specialization, setting and smart revenue strategy make all the difference. Discover how BOOST can increase reimbursements and open the door to higher compensation for your team. https://boostmyclaims.com/find-out-if-you-qualify/