Healthcare Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Physical Therapist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median physical therapist salary in Seattle, WA is $148,534 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$148,534
vs State Avg
+$32,247
vs National
+$50,814
Cost of Living
148%

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

Seattle offers a median physical therapist salary of $148,534, which is $32,247 above the Washington state average of $116,287. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $148,534 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $100,361. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physical therapists in Seattle spans from $101,536 at the 10th percentile to $197,904 at the 90th percentile — a $96,368 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $103,360, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $194,560. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $103,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $194,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$103,360
+$35,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,960
+$50,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$194,560
+$66,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $101,536
25th Percentile $121,904
Median (50th) $148,534
75th Percentile $176,928
90th Percentile $197,904

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$152,443
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$111,401
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$103,583
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$93,811
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Seattle

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open physical therapist positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Seattle, Washington is $148,534 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $101,536 (10th percentile) to $197,904 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $148,534, a physical therapist in Seattle earns approximately $71 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Seattle's median physical therapist salary of $148,534 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $116,287. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $148,534 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Seattle? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Seattle 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.