Healthcare Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Physical Therapist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median physical therapist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$85,994
vs State Avg
+$978
vs National
$-11,726
Cost of Living
88%

Physical Therapist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $978 above the Alabama state average of $85,016. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,994 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Tuscaloosa spans from $58,784 at the 10th percentile to $114,576 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,640. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $58,784
25th Percentile $70,576
Median (50th) $85,994
75th Percentile $102,432
90th Percentile $114,576

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$89,902
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$87,948
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$84,039
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$83,062
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open physical therapist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $58,784 (10th percentile) to $114,576 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 1.2% above the Alabama state average of $85,016. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Tuscaloosa require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.