Healthcare Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Physical Therapist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median physical therapist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $91,857 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$91,857
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,863
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median physical therapist salary of $91,857, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $91,857. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $62,792 at the 10th percentile to $122,388 at the 90th percentile — a $59,596 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,920, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,320. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $63,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,320 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

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

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$99,674
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$89,902
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$87,948
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$85,994
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open physical therapist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,857, a physical therapist in Milwaukee earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median physical therapist salary of $91,857 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $91,857. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $91,857 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Milwaukee 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.