Physical therapists (PTs) play a crucial role in helping people manage pain, restore function, and optimize quality of life, especially those dealing with movement dysfunction caused by injuries, aging, or chronic conditions. The journey to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) requires hard work and dedication, and one of the key factors many prospective students consider is the salary after graduation. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how much DPTs make in 2025, including various salary factors, job outlook, and tips for maximizing earning potential.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a professional degree that prepares individuals to work as physical therapists, treating patients with a range of movement disorders. These professionals focus on managing pain, rehabilitating injuries, and improving mobility, allowing patients to live their lives more freely.
Becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) requires a structured educational journey. Below are the essential steps involved in earning a physical therapy degree.
The first step in becoming a DPT is earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, anatomy, or health sciences. This foundational education covers key subjects like biology, chemistry, and anatomy, which are crucial for understanding the human body and its functions. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete and provides the basic scientific knowledge required for students in the DPT program.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring physical therapists must enroll in an accredited physical therapy program. These programs are typically three years long and combine classroom coursework with clinical experience. Coursework covers subjects like biomechanics, physiology, and neuroscience, while clinical experience provides hands-on training in real-world healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. This practical experience is essential for developing the skills needed to treat patients effectively.
Upon earning a DPT degree, graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This licensure exam tests candidates’ knowledge and competence in areas such as patient care, therapeutic interventions, and professional responsibilities. Passing the NPTE is required to become licensed and practice as a physical therapist. Once licensed, graduates are qualified to start their careers in physical therapy, helping patients manage pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
The salary of a Doctor of Physical Therapy can vary significantly based on location, industry, and years of experience. However, national average wage statistics provide a solid foundation for understanding what to expect.
According to the latest labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2025 is approximately $99,710, or $47.94 per hour. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, specialization, and experience level.
The salary of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and how much physical therapists earn can depend on several key factors. These include location, experience, and specialization, each of which plays a significant role in determining earning potential.
The location where you work has a significant impact on your salary. States like California and Nevada tend to offer higher salaries for physical therapists due to the cost of living and the high demand for physical therapy services in these regions. In contrast, rural areas or states with a lower cost of living may offer salaries that are lower but often come with other benefits, such as less competition or more job openings in underserved areas.
As with most professions, experience plays a critical role in salary growth. Entry-level DPTs typically earn less than those with several years of experience. Over time, as you gain a large number of hands-on experiences and deepen your expertise, your earning potential increases. Physical therapists with 5-10 years of experience may see significant salary increases, while those with 15+ years or those in senior roles can earn considerably more.
Specializing in a specific area of physical therapy can lead to higher salaries. DPTs who specialize in fields like women’s health, sports therapy, or neurology often command higher pay due to the advanced knowledge and skills required in these niches. Specialization not only allows physical therapists to offer more targeted care, but it also opens up opportunities to work in higher-paying settings or roles that require specialized expertise.
Physical therapists can work in various industries, and each has a different salary structure. Below, we break down the average salaries in key sectors:
The salary for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) professionals can vary significantly by state. Below are some of the highest-paying states for physical therapists:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $114,270 |
| Nevada | $111,460 |
| Texas | $106,960 |
| New Jersey | $109,280 |
Note: Location plays a major role in determining salary, with states like California offering higher pay due to the cost of living and demand for physical therapists.
The job outlook for physical therapists is positive, and the field is expected to grow at a rate much faster than average.
According to Projections Central and BLS data, employment for physical therapists is expected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for other professions. This growth is largely driven by:
The BLS projects about 13,900 openings for physical therapists each year, with positions available across various industries, from hospitals to private practice and home healthcare services.
While the average salary for a DPT is competitive, there are several ways to increase your occupational employment and earning potential throughout your career.
Certain specialties in physical therapy can lead to higher pay. For instance, DPTs specializing in areas like sports therapy, geriatrics, or women’s health may earn more due to the advanced skills required in those areas. Obtaining certifications and additional training in these fields can set you apart from other PTs and increase your salary.
In addition to the core DPT program, you can pursue additional certifications that may help increase your salary, such as:
Certain states and cities offer higher salaries due to the demand for physical therapists and the cost of living in those areas. For example, PTs in California and New York generally earn more than those in rural or less populated states.
The salary for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates can vary depending on experience, and wage statistics in different locations, and the industry. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different stages of your career.
New DPT graduates typically earn between $70,000 and $80,000 per year. This varies based on location and work setting, with many graduates finding that half earned a salary on the higher end. States with higher living costs and certain industries, like hospitals or private practices, tend to offer salaries on the higher end.
With 5-10 years of experience, DPTs can earn between $90,000 and $105,000 annually. As experience grows after graduation, so does the ability to take on more responsibility, which often leads to higher pay.
For senior DPTs with 15+ years of experience, or those in specialized roles, salaries can exceed $120,000 per year. Specializing in areas like sports therapy or owning a private practice can lead to higher earning potential.
To maximize your salary as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), consider the following strategies that physical therapists work with:
One of the most effective ways to increase your earning potential is by completing advanced certifications or participating in a specialty fellowship. Specializing in areas like sports therapy, neurology, or women’s health can significantly boost your salary, as these fields often require additional training and expertise.
Specializing in high-demand areas can also lead to higher wages. Fields like sports therapy, women’s health, and neurology are not only in demand but also typically offer higher compensation due to the specialized knowledge and skills required. By focusing on these areas, you can set yourself apart and command a premium salary.
Owning a private practice is another avenue to increase your income. While it involves additional responsibilities, such as managing a business, the earning potential is much higher. Private practice owners have more control over their salary and can often charge higher rates for specialized services, leading to greater income.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary in 2025 is competitive, with plenty of room for growth as you gain experience and specialize in specific areas of physical therapy. The demand for physical therapists continues to grow, driven by aging populations, active lifestyles, and the increasing need for rehabilitation services. By choosing the right location, specialty, and industry, you can significantly increase your earning potential. As you consider pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, keep in mind the Doctor of Physical Therapy Salary expectations, but also the rewards of making a tangible impact on people’s lives. If you’re ready to take the next step in your physical therapy career, check out job opportunities at Flagstar Rehab, where we connect qualified professionals with top employers in the healthcare field.
If you’re looking for career opportunities in physical therapy, Flagstar Rehab can help you connect with top employers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare services. Contact us today to explore open positions and take the next step in your professional journey.
A DPT typically earns more than physical therapists without a doctorate, thanks to advanced training, specialized skills, and greater opportunities for higher-paying roles like clinical specialists or private practice owners.
Yes, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree does make you a doctor in the field of physical therapy. However, it’s important to note that while a DPT is a doctoral-level degree, DPTs are not medical doctors (MDs) and do not perform surgeries or prescribe medication. Their role is focused on rehabilitation, movement dysfunction, and pain management through physical therapy.
The highest-paid physical therapists are typically those who:
Top-paying locations include California, Nevada, and New Jersey, where physical therapists can earn $110,000+ annually.
Pursuing a DPT is worth it for those passionate about patient care. It offers 15% job growth, strong pay, and career security. Despite demanding training, many consider it a solid investment.