Healthcare Indiana (IN) Rank #35 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Indiana

The median physical therapist salary in Indiana is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$87,948
vs National
$-9,772
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Physical Therapist salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,948 per year, physical therapists in Indiana earn $9,772 less than the national median of $97,720.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $87,948 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $97,720 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $60,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,180 — a $57,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $102,606.

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 Indiana and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $60,120
25th Percentile $72,180
Median (50th) $87,948
75th Percentile $104,760
90th Percentile $117,180

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Indianapolis, IN
$90,880
Pop. 887,642 · COL 93%
Fort Wayne, IN
$83,062
Pop. 263,886 · COL 85%
Evansville, IN
$82,085
Pop. 117,429 · COL 84%
South Bend, IN
$81,108
Pop. 103,453 · COL 83%
Carmel, IN
$102,606
Pop. 99,757 · COL 105%

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Indiana

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Indiana

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

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Open to Physical Therapist Roles in Indiana?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Indiana

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Indiana? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Indiana is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $60,120 (10th percentile) to $117,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,948, a physical therapist in Indiana earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $61,200, while senior professionals earn $115,200.
How does Indiana compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Indiana's median of $87,948 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($88,925) and Tennessee ($88,925).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Indiana earns approximately $61,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $88,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,200.
What city in Indiana pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for physical therapists, with a median salary of $102,606. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.