Disciplines / PT
Physical Therapist (PT)
PTs restore movement and function, working alongside OT and speech teams in pediatric, school and rehabilitation programs.
- Advertised pay
- $80k – $112k
- Credential
- State licensure; Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Live roles
- None open today
What is a Physical Therapist (PT), and what does the role pay?
What the role does
- Evaluate gross motor function, gait and mobility
- Deliver individualized treatment plans
- Write school-based motor goals
- Recommend orthotics and mobility equipment
Credential and route in
State licensure; Doctor of Physical Therapy · FSBPT and state licensing boards
- 1Doctor of Physical Therapy from a CAPTE-accredited program
- 2Clinical education placements
- 3Pass the NPTE
- 4State licensure; PT Compact privileges where available
Advertised pay
| Career stage | Advertised pay | What typically sits behind it |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $80k | Newly credentialed, supervised caseload |
| Mid-career | $95k | Full caseload, independent, some supervision of others |
| Senior | $112k | Lead or multi-site scope, clinical quality ownership |
Ranges reflect what we typically see advertised on roles we recruit for in the US. They are a market guide, not a survey, and vary by setting, caseload and experience. Last reviewed August 2026. For federal wage and outlook data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupation page.
Full PT salary guideWhere PTs work
Pediatric clinics · Schools · Rehab hospitals · Early intervention · Home health
Specialties
- Pediatric therapyOutpatient pediatric speech, occupational and physical therapy clinics, frequently multidisciplinary alongside ABA.
- School-based servicesDistrict-employed and contract services across special education: evaluations, IEP-aligned therapy, behavior support and school mental health.
- Skilled nursing and rehabAdult rehabilitation caseloads across skilled nursing facilities, acute rehab and home health, where speech and occupational therapy meet medical care.
- Early interventionBirth-to-three programs delivering developmental, speech, occupational and behavioral support in homes and community settings.
Demand right now
Moderate overall, tight in pediatric and school-based work.
Hiring PTs?
The PT Compact makes multi-state contract coverage genuinely practical; most employers underuse it.
Submit a roleLive PT roles
No live PT roles today. Join the talent network and we will contact you when one opens in your state.
Join the talent networkRelated roles
- Occupational Therapist (OT)OTs build the functional and sensory skills that let clients take part in daily life, from pediatric sensory integration to adult rehabilitation.$78k – $108k
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)COTAs deliver occupational therapy interventions under OT supervision across pediatric, school and rehabilitation caseloads.$28/hr – $42/hr