Physical therapists develop treatment plans for patients with movement disabilities.
Physical therapists are important members of the health care community. These professionals treat individuals from newborns to the elderly who have movement limiting conditions, injuries or illnesses, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Physical therapists are highly educated professionals, many of whom hold at least a master's degree. They are typically well-compensated.
Salary
The median annual salary for all physical therapists in the United States as of May 2008 was about $72,790, according to the BLS. Salary levels of physical therapists can range significantly depending up on the type of facility in which the therapist works. Therapists employed by home health care services had the highest average wage at more than $77,000 while those working in offices of health care practitioners earned an average of less than $72,000 per year, according to the BLS.
Time Frame
Years of experience can play a significant role in determining the annual income of a physical therapist, according to PayScale.com. Physical therapists just starting out may expect to earn between about $50,000 and $61,000 during their first year in practice. Those with more than five years' experience may expect to earn a minimum of about $59,000 per year. Physical therapists with more than 10 years on the job may earn up to $78,000 per year.
Types
Physical therapists who worked for private foundations and trusts had the lowest salary potential, with incomes ranging from approximately $42,000 to $68,000, according to PayScale.com. Those working for governmental agencies at the local, state or federal level could expect to earn between $58,000 and $78,000 per year. Physical therapists who chose self-employment averaged earning between approximately $55,000 and $85,000 per year.
Geography
Location plays a role in determining the average income level of physical therapists, according to PayScale.com. Physical therapists practicing in California averaged earning up to about $77,000 per year, while those practicing in New York state may average a little as $52,000 per year.
Benefits
Salary only accounts for about 72 percent of a physical therapist's total annual compensation, according to Salary.com. Physical therapists can typically expect their employers to contribute between 10 and 12 percent of their compensation toward government and private retirement programs. Additional compensation comes in the form of paid time off, employer contributions toward health insurance premiums and disability insurance.
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