By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Physical Therapy Degree and Career Guide
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Physical Therapist Salaries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers some unique workplace-related opportunities to PTs, and because they could be perceived as specialty areas, might also offer better than average salaries.
The demand for physical therapy services in Pennsylvania is influenced not only by traditional healthcare needs but also by the presence of industries and workplace-related injuries. Physical therapists who focus on industrial rehabilitation, workers’ compensation and workplace wellness play a vital role in helping workers recover from injuries, preventing re-injury and promoting a healthier workplace. These types of specialty roles offer a unique career path for PTs interested in occupational health and safety, with opportunities across various industries and settings in Pennsylvania.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are 11,780 people employed as physical therapists in Pennsylvania, which means there are nearly two people working in the PT profession for every 1,000 people living in the Keystone State. The median wage per hour is $48 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 10.9%.
Physical therapists in PA can work across various healthcare sectors, but some unique areas where they could choose to practice are:
Occupational health and safety
PTs often work with occupational health teams to develop treatment plans for employees who suffer work-related injuries. These injuries can include strains, sprains, repetitive stress injuries, back injuries and others.
Also, physical therapists are often a critical part of workers’ compensation cases, where injured workers seek rehabilitation to regain function and return to work. PTs in Pennsylvania work with employers, insurance companies and workers’ compensation boards to ensure injured employees receive appropriate care.
Industrial rehabilitation
PTs who specialize in industrial rehabilitation work with workers from industries like manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing. These industries have a higher risk of injuries due to physical labor and heavy machinery.
Ergonomics and workplace wellness
PTs in Pennsylvania may work with businesses and organizations to implement ergonomic solutions to prevent workplace injuries. This can include assessing workstations, suggesting ergonomic equipment and providing training on proper lifting techniques and posture. By addressing ergonomics, PTs help reduce the incidence of workplace injuries and improve overall employee wellness.
Here’s a list of five top employers for physical therapists in Pennsylvania, including examples that specialize in sports medicine and neurology:
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh and other locations, PA.
- UPMC is one of the largest healthcare systems in Pennsylvania, with multiple hospitals, outpatient clinics and specialized facilities. UPMC employs physical therapists in a variety of roles. At UPMC, PTs work with patients recovering from surgeries, injuries or illnesses, and also provide outpatient rehab for musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System), Philadelphia area, PA.
- Penn Medicine is a major healthcare provider in Pennsylvania, particularly in the Philadelphia area. Physical therapists at Penn Medicine work in diverse settings, such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services and research and academics.
- Geisinger Health System, Central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
- Geisinger is a large integrated healthcare system serving central and northeastern Pennsylvania. It employs PTs in various roles, including inpatient services, outpatient rehabilitation and industrial rehab.
- Select Medical, Multiple locations, PA.
- Select Medical specializes in post-acute care and operates long-term acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics across Pennsylvania. They use PTs to provide intensive rehabilitation for patients recovering from severe injuries or medical conditions. Outpatient services also offers a range of services, including orthopedic rehabilitation, sports medicine and work-related injury recovery.
- Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Philadelphia and Allentown metro areas, PA.
- Good Shepherd specializes in rehabilitation and is known for its focus on innovative therapy techniques. PTs at Good Shepherd assist patients with severe injuries or neurological conditions to regain function. PTs also provide therapy for orthopedic, neurological and pediatric patients. Good Shepherd is also known for its use of technology in rehabilitation—specifically assistive technology and robotics—offering PTs unique opportunities to work with advanced therapeutic equipment.
Salary statistics for Pennsylvania
Median physical therapist salary in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania holds the honor of being the fifth highest employer of PTs in the country, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual salary for physical therapists in Pennsylvania is around $99,570, just higher than the national median for PTs. Salaries generally depend upon your location, years of experience and whether you specialize in a particular or in-demand area. Entry-level physical therapists may earn less, while experienced practitioners in high-demand areas may earn significantly more.
With it’s higher than average pay, and lower than the national average cost of living, Pennsylvania offers a quality of life for PTs that many other states do not.
Physical Therapists
10%$74,000
25%$82,570
50%$99,570Median
75%$110,550
90%$125,810
Median Hourly Wage$48
Job growth10.9%
Total Employment11,100
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA | $109,720 | $76,240 | $133,110 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $103,860 | $78,040 | $128,930 |
| Lebanon, PA | $100,480 | $74,720 | $128,330 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $99,880 | $75,730 | $126,640 |
| Lancaster, PA | $99,440 | $71,230 | $130,020 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $98,880 | $75,930 | $132,960 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $98,730 | $75,230 | $129,440 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $98,720 | $73,680 | $126,640 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $98,030 | $61,990 | $127,460 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $98,010 | $75,190 | $118,570 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries for PTs in general compare to fields that are similar to physical therapists:
Salary ranges for PTs in PA
The salary range for PT professionals in Pennsylvania typically spans from $74,000 for the lowest 10% in the field to $125,810 for the highest 10% in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position. Salary ranges may be more or less too, in rural or metropolitan areas of the state.
Pay by metro area within Pennsylvania
Your earning level will fluctuate depending upon where in Pennsylvania you choose to live. As you can see from the top employers above, a large number of jobs may be in the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh areas, and this is verified by the BLS, who ranks the Bloomsburg-Berwick area of PA at #3 for the highest concentration of PT jobs, and the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area at #4 for areas with the highest employment level in physical therapists in the U.S.
Here are the top 10 metro areas by pay, as ranked by the BLS.
While California takes nine of the 10 spots for pay, it only holds one spot for metro area and non-metro areas as far as employment of PTs, so the fact that Pennsylvania holds high spots for employment of PTs and jobs says a lot about opportunities available in the state.
Salary growth and job outlook
Several factors contribute to job growth for physical therapists in Pennsylvania. These factors span demographic trends, healthcare industry shifts, societal changes and technological advancements. Here’s an overview of the key drivers for PT job growth in Pennsylvania:
Aging population
Pennsylvania has a significant aging population, one of the oldest in the U.S. in fact. As people age, they are more likely to require physical therapy services due to conditions like arthritis, joint replacements, balance issues and other age-related health concerns. This demographic trend creates ongoing demand for PTs specializing in geriatric care and rehabilitation.
Chronic conditions and rehabilitation
The prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disorders is increasing. PTs play a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating these conditions, focusing on improving mobility, reducing pain and enhancing quality of life. This demand drives job growth for PTs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health settings.
Focus on preventive care and wellness
There is a growing emphasis on preventive care, wellness and holistic health approaches, and physical therapy is increasingly seen as a key component of preventive healthcare, with PTs providing education and exercise programs to prevent injuries and manage chronic conditions. This shift in healthcare focus contributes to job growth for PTs in Pennsylvania.
Workplace and industrial rehabilitation
Pennsylvania has a strong industrial and manufacturing presence, leading to workplace-related injuries that require physical therapy. PTs specializing in occupational health and industrial rehabilitation help workers recover from injuries and return to work safely. The need for workplace safety and injury prevention also creates demand for PTs to provide ergonomic assessments and corporate wellness programs.
Sports and athletic programs
Pennsylvania has a lively sports mindset, from professional teams in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to collegiate and high school sports. This creates a steady demand for PTs specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics. PTs in these settings work with athletes to prevent injuries, aid recovery and enhance performance.
Expansion of healthcare systems
Pennsylvania is home to large healthcare systems like UPMC, Penn Medicine and Geisinger, which continue to expand. This expansion includes new hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation facilities, creating more job opportunities for physical therapists in various settings and specialties.
Technological advancements in rehabilitation
Advancements in physical therapy technology, such as telehealth, robotic-assisted therapy and advanced therapeutic equipment, are changing the way PTs deliver care. These technological innovations are driving demand for PTs who are skilled in using these tools and techniques, contributing to job growth in Pennsylvania.
The BLS predicts faster than average growth for physical therapy nationwide, too:
10.9%
Job growth for physical therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
Factors that could affect PT salaries in Pennsylvania
The following factors show how PT salaries in Pennsylvania are influenced by a mix of positive and negative trends. While location, experience, specialization and economic conditions can drive salaries up, factors like supply and demand, economic downturns and changes in healthcare policy can apply downward pressure.
- Urban location:
- Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh generally offer higher salaries due to a higher cost of living and increased demand for healthcare services. In these areas, PTs might find more opportunities and competitive compensation packages.
- Experience and education:
- PTs with more experience or those who have specialized in areas such as orthopedics, sports medicine or neurology tend to command higher salaries. Advanced degrees, certifications or additional training can also positively impact salary.
- Employer:
- Larger healthcare systems, hospitals and academic institutions often offer higher salaries compared to smaller clinics or private practices. Employers who prioritize competitive compensation to attract top talent may offer higher starting salaries and additional benefits.
- Trends:
- The growing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population and increased focus on preventive care creates a positive environment for higher PT salaries. Employers seeking skilled PTs to meet this demand may offer better compensation.
- The economy:
- A hearty economy generally supports higher salaries as employers compete for skilled talent. In times of economic growth, PT salaries in Pennsylvania might see an upward trend.
- Rural location:
- Rural areas and smaller towns in Pennsylvania often offer lower salaries compared to urban centers. The cost of living may be lower, but the availability of high-paying jobs can be limited.
- Supply and demand:
- If there’s an oversupply of physical therapists in certain regions, it can drive salaries down. An influx of new graduates or a high number of PT programs in a specific area can lead to increased competition and lower wages.
- Economic downturns:
- During periods of economic uncertainty or recession, healthcare budgets may shrink, leading to salary stagnation or cuts. Employers might limit salary increases or reduce bonuses in such times.
- Reimbursement, insurance and healthcare policy:
- Changes in healthcare reimbursement rates, insurance policies or government regulations can affect salaries for PTs. If insurance companies or government programs reduce reimbursement rates for physical therapy services, it could lead to financial pressure on employers, impacting salaries.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly in Pennsylvania?
To determine if you are being paid fairly in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to compare your salary to industry benchmarks and salary surveys. Additionally, Pennsylvania has laws in place to protect employees from discrimination based on protected characteristics and gender. If you suspect unfair pay practices, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or seek legal counsel for guidance. But before seeking legal steps, consider these options:
- Research salary benchmarks: Use online salary surveys and industry reports from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to compare your compensation with market standards.
- Talk to your HR department: HR personnel are equipped to explain the nuances, city, county, state and federal laws around salary and the salary levels for your job title.
- Get informed: Familiarize yourself with state labor laws and network with others who perform the same job.
PT education in Pennsylvania
To become a licensed physical therapist in Pennsylvania, you need to meet specific education and training requirements. These requirements are generally consistent across the state and follow national standards set by federal and state regulations. Here’s what you’ll need to do to become a PT in Pennsylvania:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree:
- The first step toward becoming a physical therapist is earning a bachelor’s degree. Although the degree doesn’t have to be in physical therapy, it should include prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, biology and psychology. Common majors for PT-bound students are kinesiology, exercise science, and biology.
- Finish a DPT degree program:
- To practice as a PT in Pennsylvania, you must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. DPT programs typically last three years and offer a mix of classroom education, lab work and clinical experience. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The curriculum generally includes:
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Biomechanics and kinesiology
• Pathophysiology and pharmacology
• Clinical reasoning and diagnosis
• Therapeutic exercises and treatment
• Professional ethics and conduct
DPT programs also require clinical rotations, where students gain hands-on experience in various physical therapy settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and schools. - Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE):
- After completing a DPT program, aspiring PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This exam is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and competence in physical therapy, covering a wide range of topics, from patient evaluation to therapeutic interventions.
- Apply for licensure in Pennsylvania:
- Once you’ve passed the NPTE, you must apply for licensure through the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy. This process involves submitting an application, providing proof of education, passing the NPTE, and meeting other state-specific requirements, such as a criminal background check. Pennsylvania’s licensure requirements are consistent statewide; they do not change by county or location.
- Keep current on CEUs:
- After becoming licensed, you need to complete continuing education to maintain your license. The Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy requires 30 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) for license renewal, typically every two years. Continuing education helps PTs stay current with industry standards and emerging practices.
Cost of living in Pennsylvania
With its higher than the national median salary, and lower than the national average cost of living, Pennsylvania is a great state to consider if you’re a PT looking to practice.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is 4% lower than the national average, says RentCafe, and this is true across the board for more than half of the major cities in the state as well. Larger cities that are home to major healthcare and rehabilitation centers, such as Philadelphia and Allentown are 1%–5% higher than the national average, while other healthcare hubs such as Pittsburgh and Harrisburg are 1%–2% lower. This makes Pennsylvania a highly desirable state for PTs to pursue their calling.
Professional associations for physical therapists and PTAs in PA
These two organizations are central to the physical therapy community in Pennsylvania. APTA PA offers a professional network and resources for career development, while the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy provides regulatory guidance and licensure information:
APTA Pennsylvania: APTA Pennsylvania is the state chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and represents physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students in Pennsylvania. APTA PA provides a wide range of resources, including continuing education courses, networking events, professional advocacy and career development opportunities. They work to promote high standards of physical therapy practice and advocate for the profession at the state level.
Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy: While not an association in the traditional sense, the Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy is the state regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Pennsylvania. They establish the standards for licensure, ensure compliance with state regulations and provide information about continuing education requirements. The Board plays a key role in maintaining professional standards within the state.
This Pennsylvania-focus physical therapist salary guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive view of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.