Physical Therapist Salary in Louisville, KY: $89,902 (2026)

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

Louisville offers a median physical therapist salary of $89,902, which is $4,886 above the Kentucky state average of $85,016. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Louisville spans from $61,456 at the 10th percentile to $119,784 at the 90th percentile — a $58,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,560, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,760. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $62,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$62,560

$-5,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$90,160

$-7,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$117,760

$-10,240 vs national

Percentile	Louisville	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$61,456	$58,116	$66,800
25th Percentile	$73,784	$69,774	$80,200
Median (50th)	$89,902	$85,016	$97,720
75th Percentile	$107,088	$101,268	$116,400
90th Percentile	$119,784	$113,274	$130,200

Percentile

Louisville

10th Percentile

$61,456

25th Percentile

$73,784

Median (50th)

$89,902

75th Percentile

$107,088

90th Percentile

$119,784

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Louisville

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Louisville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Louisville

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Louisville, KY? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $89,902 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $61,456 (10th percentile) to $119,784 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Louisville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $89,902, a physical therapist in Louisville earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Louisville's median physical therapist salary of $89,902 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $85,016. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼

Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $89,902 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Louisville? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Louisville 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.

Physical Therapist Salary in Louisville, Kentucky