Healthcare Wisconsin (WI) Rank #26 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in Wisconsin

The median physical therapist salary in Wisconsin is $91,857 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$91,857
vs National
$-5,863
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Physical Therapist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $91,857 per year, physical therapists in Wisconsin earn $5,863 less than the national median of $97,720.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $91,857 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $99,845 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $62,792, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,388 — a $59,596 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $99,674.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Wisconsin and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $63,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,320 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,120
$-5,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,320
$-7,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $62,792
25th Percentile $75,388
Median (50th) $91,857
75th Percentile $109,416
90th Percentile $122,388

Physical Therapist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Wisconsin

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Wisconsin is $91,857 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $62,792 (10th percentile) to $122,388 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,857, a physical therapist in Wisconsin earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for physical therapists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $63,920, while senior professionals earn $120,320.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. Wisconsin's median of $91,857 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($94,788) and Texas ($91,857).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in Wisconsin earns approximately $63,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $92,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $120,320.
What city in Wisconsin pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for physical therapists, with a median salary of $99,674. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.