The salary of a physical therapist in New York depends on many factors, including location, setting, experience, and how the role is structured. New York State has one of the largest PT workforces in the country, with strong demand across hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. For PTs looking at salary in New York, it helps to understand both long-term wage data and current hiring trends.
This guide explains how PT pay works across New York State, where the highest paying cities are, and what affects earnings over time. This is also for physical therapists, students, and job seekers interested in PT careers in New York. If you are exploring roles in NY or planning your next move, reviewing current openings with a specialized therapy staffing partner can help you match pay expectations with real job options.
The physical therapist salary in New York State is typically higher than the national average, though pay varies widely by city and setting. Physical Therapist (PT) salaries in New York range from $100,000 to over $120,000, depending on experience and location. Some PTs are paid by the hour, while others receive an annual salary. Hourly pay is common in contract and per diem roles, while salaried roles are more common in hospital systems and outpatient clinics. Understanding how pay is structured helps you compare offers accurately.
Across New York State, the average salary for a physical therapist often falls near the six-figure range when calculated annually. The median wage is a more useful benchmark than the average because it shows the midpoint of what PTs earn across the state. Half of PTs earn more than the median, and half earn less. This makes the median a practical reference point when planning a job search or compensation discussion.
Typical PT pay in New York State:
Most reliable PT wage data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, also known as the BLS. The BLS collects employer-reported wage information across each state, including New York. This data reflects long-term pay trends and includes both hourly and annual earnings. BLS data is useful for understanding baseline compensation across New York State.
Job posting platforms provide a different view of salary in New York. These sources reflect active job listings and recent offers, which can change faster over time. This explains why hourly rates on job boards may appear higher than BLS figures. BLS data shows stability, while job postings show current market pressure. Using both helps create a clear and realistic plan when evaluating pay.
As of January 2026, the average annual salary for a physical therapist in New York is approximately $105,787. According to BLS data, the median wage for physical therapists nationally is just under $100,000 per year, with New York State tracking close to or slightly above that figure. Hourly median pay falls just under $50 per hour. These numbers provide a stable reference point for PTs reviewing salary expectations in NY.
BLS also reports percentile wages, which show how earnings differ by experience level. Entry-level PTs tend to earn closer to the 25th percentile, while experienced clinicians and those in high-demand settings earn closer to the 75th or 90th percentile. This range reflects real differences in caseload, schedule, and employer needs across New York State.
BLS physical therapist wage benchmarks:
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | About $39 | About $82,000 |
| Median | About $48 | About $100,000 |
| 75th percentile | About $55 | About $114,000 |
| 90th percentile | Over $62 | Over $130,000 |
These figures are based on full-time hours and do not include benefits, bonuses, or differentials.
New York State has one of the highest employment levels for physical therapists in the country. The demand for physical therapists in New York is influenced by the state’s large and diverse population and a significant aging demographic. The largest concentration of PT jobs is in the New York City metro area, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and nearby regions. High employment usually means more openings, more role variety, and more turnover, which can improve job mobility.
Outside NYC, strong PT employment exists in areas such as Long Island, Westchester County, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. These areas often offer steady demand with a lower cost of living than NYC. Choosing a region involves balancing pay, commute, workload, and lifestyle.
High employment regions for PT jobs:
The highest paying cities for physical therapists in New York are generally located in and around New York City. Pay is higher in these cities due to the cost of living, patient volume, and demand for coverage. Urban facilities often compete for experienced PTs, which pushes hourly rates upward.
That said, higher pay does not always mean higher take-home value. Housing, transportation, and scheduling demands can offset income gains. Comparing pay by location helps PTs decide where an offer fits best.
Examples of higher-paying cities:
| City | Typical Hourly Pay |
|---|---|
| Manhattan | $70 plus per hour |
| Brooklyn | Mid to high $60s per hour |
| Queens | Mid $60s per hour |
| Bronx | Low $60s per hour |
| Westchester County | High $50s to low $60s per hour |
Work setting plays a major role in how PTs are paid. Some settings offer higher hourly rates, while others offer stronger benefits or more predictable schedules. Understanding this difference helps PTs match income goals with daily work expectations.
Hospitals and home health agencies often pay more per hour due to patient complexity and coverage needs. Outpatient clinics may offer slightly lower hourly pay but more stable schedules. School-based roles may offer lower hourly rates but predictable hours and time off.
Common pay differences by setting
Physical therapist salary in New York varies widely based on several factors, with experience and skill level playing a major role in earning potential.
Pay increases with experience, advanced certifications, and comfort managing complex patients. Senior PTs often earn more because employers rely on their judgment and efficiency.
Evenings, weekends, and holiday coverage often pay more. Productivity expectations and documentation time also affect effective hourly pay.
Large health systems, private practices, and staffing agencies structure pay differently. Staffing partners can often provide flexible roles and competitive hourly rates for urgent needs.
Telehealth PT roles exist in New York but remain limited due to hands-on care requirements. Most telehealth roles are hybrid, supporting follow-ups, patient education, or remote monitoring. Pay for telehealth roles varies and is often lower than in-person care, though schedules can be more flexible.
PTs considering telehealth should review patient eligibility, visit length, and documentation expectations before accepting a role.
To judge fairness, compare your pay against BLS benchmarks, city averages, and similar roles in your setting. Adjust for experience, schedule demands, and benefits. Fair pay means alignment with market data and workload, not just headline salary.
Discussing compensation with trusted peers and recruiters helps clarify whether your offer fits the current New York market.
If you want to compare your current pay against active roles in your city or setting, speaking with a recruiter who focuses only on therapy staffing can help clarify real market ranges. Flagstar Rehab works with employers across New York State and can provide role-specific pay insight based on experience, schedule, and location.
Facilities across New York State are actively hiring PTs due to patient demand and staffing gaps. Hiring now often means faster start dates, competitive pay, and flexible scheduling. Employers value reliability, documentation skills, and patient communication.
Working with a therapy-focused staffing agency can help PTs find roles that match pay goals and preferred settings. Exploring current job openings through a specialized partner like Flagstar Rehab can shorten the search and improve fit.
The salary of a physical therapist in New York reflects location, setting, and experience. New York State offers strong earning potential and steady demand for PTs across many regions. Understanding wage data and current hiring trends helps PTs make informed career decisions.
If you are reviewing options or ready to make a move, connecting with a therapy-focused staffing agency can help align pay, schedule, and setting. Flagstar Rehab supports PTs across New York with roles that match experience and goals. Contact us to learn more or speak with a recruiter about current opportunities.
Physical therapists in New York typically earn between the high $80,000s and low $120,000s per year. Hourly pay often falls in the high $40s to $60 or more, depending on the city, setting, and experience level. Pay is usually higher in urban areas and in settings with greater patient demand.
A $70,000 salary is below the median wage for physical therapist roles in New York State. It may be appropriate for entry-level positions or lower-cost areas of the state. With experience and the right setting, many PTs earn more than this level.
$30 an hour equals about $62,000 per year. In NYC, this is well below typical PT pay and may indicate a limited scope or support role. Reviewing market data with a recruiter can help clarify options.
$130,000 is above the median and aligns with the top-earning PT roles. This level often reflects high-demand settings, advanced experience, or specialized coverage. Speaking with a staffing partner can help determine if this level fits your background.