If you’ve ever been sick or hurt in a way that made it hard to move or do regular tasks, your doctor might have sent you to a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist, also called a physical therapist, helps people deal with pain, balance issues, movement problems, and motor skills. Many people, at some point in their lives, see a physiotherapist—maybe after a car crash, surgery, or back pain. While pursuing a physiotherapy course in the USA has been in trend now, we shall be looking at the physiotherapist average salary in the USA.
Do you know?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a Physical Therapist in 2022 was somewhere around $97,720 per year.
Many are curious about how much money physiotherapists make on average. Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, assist individuals in managing pain and improving movement. People are interested in knowing the physiotherapist’s average salary in the USA. This number is important as it reflects how society values their important work. It also influences decisions about choosing a healthcare career. We will explore the average salary of physiotherapists in the USA, looking at the factors that affect them and many other crucial details.
So, let’s stay connected to this blog post and dive into the world of physiotherapist average salary in the USA to satisfy the curiosity of people.
Topics covered
Who is a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist, or physical therapist, is a healthcare expert who focuses on helping people overcome physical difficulties and improve their overall health. These professionals are well-trained to assess, diagnose, and treat various physical conditions and injuries that impact a person’s ability to move and carry out daily activities.
Physiotherapists take a holistic approach, considering everyone’s unique needs, medical history, and lifestyle to create personalized treatment plans. Their main aim is to improve mobility, ease pain, and restore optimal function to muscles, joints, and other parts of the body. They use a range of methods, including exercises, hands-on techniques, and specialized tools, to address specific health issues.
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Role and Responsibilities of Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, play an important role in healthcare by helping individuals overcome physical challenges and improve their overall well-being. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks aimed at enhancing mobility, relieving pain, and preventing physical dysfunction resulting from disease or injury.
The roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists in the USA include:
- Assessment and Planning: Physiotherapists assess and plan individually tailored programs to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning in patients.
- Treatment Implementation: They carry out physical treatments, such as therapeutic exercises and manual therapy, to address specific health issues and alleviate pain.
- Record Keeping: Physiotherapists document patient medical histories, record treatment procedures, and maintain detailed progress reports.
- Patient Education: They instruct patients and their families on treatment procedures to be continued at home, promoting ongoing wellness.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Physiotherapists evaluate the effects of treatment at various stages and adjust interventions to achieve maximum benefit for the patient.
Want to know more? Visit Career in Physiotherapy for more information.
Well, now comes the time to discuss the thing that you are looking for – physiotherapist average salary in the USA. Let’s look at the detailed breakdown of the average salary.
Breakdown of Average Salary of Physiotherapists in the USA
Physiotherapist average salary in the USA is a topic of significant interest and importance, reflecting the economic recognition of their valuable services. According to data from Glassdoor, the average base pay for physiotherapists in the United States is $91,210 per year. This figure is based on 50 salaries submitted anonymously, providing a comprehensive overview of the earnings in the field.
The salary range varies widely, with a base pay range from $64,000 to $100,000 per year. In addition to the base salary, physiotherapists receive additional cash compensation, with an average of $6,298, ranging from $4,724 to $8,818.
Examining the salary trajectory, entry-level physiotherapists start with an average base pay of $90,419 per year, while senior physiotherapists earn an average of $109,715 annually. The data also includes related job titles, such as physiotherapy assistant, physical therapist, and physical therapy assistant, with corresponding average salaries ranging from $59,312 to $92,516 per year.
Factors Affecting Physiotherapist Average Salary in USA
There are several possible reasons for which the average salary of physiotherapists in the USA depends. In this section, we will be listing some of the prominent factors affecting physiotherapist average salary in USA. The factors are mentioned below:
- Years of work experience
- Geographical location
- Demand for physiotherapists in a particular area
- Specialization within the field of physiotherapy
- Negotiation skills and individual achievements
Physiotherapist average salary in the USA is influenced by factors such as experience, education, location, type of employer, demand for services, specialization, and individual achievements.
Steps to Become a Physiotherapist in the USA
Now that you have seen the physiotherapist average salary in the USA, let’s look at the ways to become one. Becoming a physiotherapist in the USA involves a systematic process that combines education, clinical training, and licensure. Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, play an important role in healthcare by assisting individuals in overcoming physical challenges and improving their overall well-being.
Let’s look at the steps explained in detail that will help you know how to become a physiotherapist in the USA.
Educational Foundation
Obtain a Bachelor’s degree with a focus on pre-physical therapy or a related field. Some programs may have specific prerequisite courses, including biology, anatomy, and physiology.
Graduate Degree
Pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The DPT program typically takes three years to complete.
Clinical Experience
Accumulate practical experience through clinical internships and rotations provided by the DPT program. This hands-on training is essential for developing clinical skills.
Licensing Examination
Upon graduation, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
State Licensure
Obtain state licensure by meeting specific requirements set by the state licensing board. Requirements may include passing the NPTE, submitting educational transcripts, and fulfilling any state-specific criteria.
Specialization (Optional)
Consider pursuing specialization through post-graduate residency programs or certifications in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, or pediatrics.
Continuing Education
Engage in continuous professional development through workshops, courses, and conferences to stay updated on advancements in physiotherapy.
Optional Board Certification
Physiotherapists can pursue board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) in specialized areas to demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge and skills.
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Physiotherapist Courses and Colleges in USA
We hope you have got some clarity regarding the steps to become a physiotherapist in the USA. This will surely aid in the details of physiotherapist average salary in USA. Now, we will be knowing about the top institutions offering physiotherapists courses in the USA. The table below shows the combination of the courses and the Top Universities in the USA:
| College/University | Courses Offered | Course Duration |
| University of Southern California | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | 03 Years |
| University of Pittsburgh | MS in Physical Therapy | 01-02 Years |
| Emory School of Medicine | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | 03 Years |
| Miller School of Medicine | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | 03 Years |
| University of Delaware | MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology | 12 months |
These were some of the top colleges and courses combined under the physiotherapy department in the USA. Now, you must be wondering what to do after graduation. Well, there are some of the top jobs that can fit your resume. Let’s discuss this in the next section.
If you are looking for the cost of education in the USA, visit the Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students. This will give you a complete breakdown of the costs.
Jobs for Physiotherapists in the USA
You must be looking for more or similar jobs after looking at the physiotherapist average salary in USA. The temptations cannot be controlled, and we know that! So, to satisfy your temptations and curiosity, we have come up with the top job roles associated with physiotherapy. We will also be mentioning their average salary so that you can draw comparisons.
The table below contains the top job roles associated with physiotherapists and their average salary.
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Acute Care Physical Therapist | $69,183 per year |
| Home Care Physical Therapist | $90,997 per year |
| Pediatric Physical Therapist | $70,445 per year |
| Inpatient Physical Therapist | $76,215 per year |
| Outpatient Physical Therapist | $85,960 per year |
| Registered Physical Therapist | $97,720 per year |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $34,319 per year |
| Senior Physical Therapist | $90,171 per year |
| Sports Rehabilitation Therapist | $70,100 per year |
| Orthopedic Physical Therapist | $76,215 per year |
Looking for more jobs? Visit our blog ‘Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in the USA’ for more information.
Summing It Up!
Physiotherapists are important for improving people’s physical health, and they get paid high each year. Physiotherapist average salary in USA has different breakdowns. This includes different physiotherapy roles like Acute Care and Pediatric Physical Therapists. They might also get extra money, about $6,298 more. Senior physiotherapists, with more experience, make about $90,419 yearly, while those in special roles, like Senior Physical Therapists, can earn up to $109,715.
These numbers show how much the USA values the work of physiotherapists, making it a competitive and well-paying job, especially for those with more experience or in specific areas of expertise.
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FAQs
Physiotherapists in the USA earn an average salary of approximately $91,210 per year. Senior physiotherapists or those in specialized roles may earn higher, reaching up to $109,715 annually.
Factors influencing physiotherapist salaries in the USA include experience, specialization, location, and the employer. Senior roles and expertise in specific areas can contribute to higher earnings.
Yes, an Indian Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) degree is generally recognized in the USA. However, foreign-educated physiotherapists may need to undergo a credentials evaluation process for licensure.
Job prospects for physiotherapists in the USA are promising, with a much faster-than-average growth rate of 9% or higher projected from 2022 to 2032. The demand is driven by an aging population and increased awareness of physical health.
Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
