Physical Therapist Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $99,710/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $78,532/year take-home — 21.2% effective rate.
Physical Therapist Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $68,000 | $56,224 | $4,685 | 17.3% |
| 25th Percentile | $82,000 | $66,073 | $5,506 | 19.4% |
| MedianBLS Median | $99,710 | $78,532 | $6,544 | 21.2% |
| 75th Percentile | $120,000 | $92,773 | $7,731 | 22.7% |
| 90th Percentile | $145,000 | $109,861 | $9,155 | 24.2% |
| Senior Level | $130,000 | $99,608 | $8,301 | 23.4% |
Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,394 | $85,383 | $7,115 | 30.2% |
| New Jersey | $117,409 | $85,525 | $7,127 | 27.2% |
| Nevada | $110,927 | $86,423 | $7,202 | 22.1% |
| Connecticut | $117,159 | $85,028 | $7,086 | 27.4% |
| Alaska | $115,913 | $89,931 | $7,494 | 22.4% |
About This Career
Physical therapists restore mobility and manage pain for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and chronic conditions. The aging baby boomer population drives steady demand, and travel PT contracts in shortage areas pay a substantial premium over permanent positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in the US?+
The national median Physical Therapist salary is $99,710 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,000 and $120,000, while the top 10% earn over $145,000.
How much does a Physical Therapist take home after taxes?+
A Physical Therapist earning the median $99,710 takes home approximately $78,532 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Physical Therapists earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Physical Therapists are California, New Jersey, Nevada. Top cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, where salaries can exceed $120,000 for experienced professionals.