Healthcare Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median physical therapist salary in Memphis, TN is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$85,994
vs State Avg
$-2,931
vs National
$-11,726
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $2,931 below the Tennessee state average of $88,925. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $85,994 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $99,993 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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 86% 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 Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
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 Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$99,674
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$91,857
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$87,948
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$87,948
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open physical therapist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Memphis earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Memphis's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 3.3% below the Tennessee state average of $88,925. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Memphis? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Memphis 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.