Physical therapy is a highly demanded career, with many people looking to undergo therapy in order to regain their health. If you’re curious about what physical therapists make, or if you’re currently studying physical therapy and wondering what the average salary is, read on!
What is a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists are licensed professionals who work with patients to help them regain mobility and function. Physical therapist assistants also work with patients but do not hold a license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physical therapists made an average of $75,590 in 2016. Physical therapist assistants made an average of $53,630.
Duties of a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with people who have physical impairments. They help these individuals to regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.
The average salary for physical therapists was $68,230 as of May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Physical therapists may work in clinics, hospitals, or other medical facilities. They typically work regular hours and can be on call at any time. Physical therapists often have a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited school.
In order to become a physical therapist, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited school and pass the National Physical Therapist Exam (NPTE). The NPTE is a national certification exam that assesses your knowledge of physical therapy concepts and techniques.
How much do physical therapists make?
Physical therapy is a growing field, with more jobs opening up than ever before. As a result, they pay for physical therapists has also increased substantially in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), physical therapists earned an average annual salary of $86,160 in 2016. Additionally, physical therapists can expect to receive bonuses and benefits that can increase their earnings even further.
So how much do physical therapists make? That answer depends on a variety of factors, including experience and education. However, on the whole, physical therapists can expect to earn a respectable income.
Average Salary of a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists earn an average salary of $64,000 per year. This is higher than the average salary of most other occupations. Physical therapists typically work in private practices, hospitals, and schools.
Certification and Education Requirements for a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists must complete an accredited physical therapy program and pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). The NPTE is a nationally standardized exam that physical therapists can use to demonstrate their proficiency in the field.
Physical therapist certification is available from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). To be eligible for certification, a physical therapist must hold a current license from their state and meet the educational requirements specified by APTA. The educational requirements for certification include an undergraduate degree in health science or related field and completion of a post-graduate specialized program in physical therapy.
In addition to completing an accredited physical therapy program and passing the NPTE, many states require physical therapists to possess certain certifications. These certifications may include Advanced Practice Physician (APP)certification from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), Certification as a Rehabilitation Specialist (CRS) from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or Certification as a Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES) from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Work settings for physical therapists
Physical therapists may work in clinics, hospitals, or private practices. The average salary for a physical therapist is $64,760 per year. Physical therapist salaries vary based on experience and qualifications.
Clinics typically offer lower salaries than hospitals or private practices, but the level of experience and qualifications necessary to become a physical therapist may be more consistent across workplaces. In addition, many clinics offer benefits such as paid vacation time and health insurance.
Hospitals typically pay the highest salaries to physical therapists, partly because they often have greater resources available for hiring and paying staff. In addition, physical therapists who work at hospitals often receive additional training and privileges that are not available at other workplaces.
Physical therapists who work in private practices usually earn less than those who work in clinics or hospitals, but they may have more autonomy and control over their work schedules. They also may be able to bill individual patients rather than submitting claims to insurance companies.
Job Outlook for Physical Therapists
Physical therapists are in high demand, with job openings expected to increase by 17% through 2024. Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practices. The average annual salary for physical therapists was $59,610 in May 2017.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a career in physical therapy, it’s important to know what the average salary is for PTs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for PTs was $68,860 in May 2017. This means that there are a lot of PT jobs out there and the pay is good! While salaries can vary based on experience and location, this is a good starting point if you’re interested in exploring this field further.
