Healthcare Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Physical Therapist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median physical therapist salary in Nashville, TN is $99,674 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 12.1% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$99,674
vs State Avg
+$10,749
vs National
+$1,954
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median physical therapist salary of $99,674, which is $10,749 above the Tennessee state average of $88,925. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $68,136 at the 10th percentile to $132,804 at the 90th percentile — a $64,668 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,360, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,560. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $69,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,360
+$1,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,960
+$1,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,560
+$2,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $68,136
25th Percentile $81,804
Median (50th) $99,674
75th Percentile $118,728
90th Percentile $132,804

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$91,857
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$87,948
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$87,948
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$85,994
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Nashville

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Nashville 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Nashville

Browse open physical therapist positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $99,674 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $68,136 (10th percentile) to $132,804 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,674, a physical therapist in Nashville earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Nashville's median physical therapist salary of $99,674 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $88,925. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $99,674 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Nashville? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Nashville 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.