Healthcare Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Alaska

The median physical therapist salary in Alaska is $126,059 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$126,059
vs National
+$28,339
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for physical therapists seeking high pay. At $126,059 per year, physical therapists in Alaska earn $28,339 more than the national median of $97,720.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $126,059 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $101,660.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $86,172, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $167,958 — a $81,786 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $136,808.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alaska and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $87,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,120 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,720
+$19,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,420
+$28,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,120
+$37,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $86,172
25th Percentile $103,458
Median (50th) $126,059
75th Percentile $150,156
90th Percentile $167,958

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Alaska

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Alaska? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Alaska is $126,059 per year, which is 29.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $86,172 (10th percentile) to $167,958 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,059, a physical therapist in Alaska earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $87,720, while senior professionals earn $165,120.
How does Alaska compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Alaska's median of $126,059 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($142,671) and Massachusetts ($139,740).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Alaska earns approximately $87,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $126,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $165,120.
What city in Alaska pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for physical therapists, with a median salary of $136,808. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.