Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Physical Therapist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median physical therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $102,606 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$102,606
vs State Avg
+$5,863
vs National
+$4,886
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median physical therapist salary of $102,606, which is $5,863 above the Pennsylvania state average of $96,743. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $70,140 at the 10th percentile to $136,710 at the 90th percentile — a $66,570 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,900
+$4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,400
+$6,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $70,140
25th Percentile $84,210
Median (50th) $102,606
75th Percentile $122,220
90th Percentile $136,710

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$94,788
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$93,811
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$88,925
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$85,016
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open physical therapist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $102,606 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $70,140 (10th percentile) to $136,710 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,606, a physical therapist in Philadelphia earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median physical therapist salary of $102,606 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $96,743. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $102,606 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Philadelphia 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.