An In-depth Look at Physical Therapist Salary in Pennsylvania
Physical therapy is a rewarding profession that offers a unique blend of science, health, and human interaction. It is a career path that allows you to make a profound impact on people’s lives, helping them regain mobility and live pain-free. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the physical therapist salary in Pennsylvania (PA), bringing you the latest data from reputable sources such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Physical therapists, also known as PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. In Pennsylvania, the demand for these professionals is on the rise, reflecting the national trend.
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for physical therapists was $89,440 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including experience, specialization, location, and the type of healthcare setting in which they work.
In Pennsylvania, the average salary for a physical therapist is slightly above the national average. As per the latest figures from the BLS, the average annual wage for physical therapists in PA was $90,290 in 2020. This puts Pennsylvania in the top 25% of all states in the U.S. for physical therapist salaries.
Experience plays a significant role in determining a physical therapist’s salary. Entry-level physical therapists in Pennsylvania can expect to earn an average salary of around $70,000 per year. However, with five to ten years of experience, physical therapists can see their earnings increase to an average of $85,000 per year. Those with over ten years of experience can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
Specialization is another factor that can significantly impact a physical therapist’s salary. For example, physical therapists specializing in geriatrics or orthopedics tend to earn higher salaries due to the increased demand for these services.
Geographical location within Pennsylvania also plays a role in salary differences. For instance, physical therapists in metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. This is largely due to the higher cost of living in these cities and the higher concentration of healthcare facilities.
The type of healthcare setting in which a physical therapist works can also affect their salary. Physical therapists working in home health care services tend to earn the highest salaries, followed by those working in nursing care facilities, hospitals, and offices of other health practitioners.
In conclusion, physical therapy is a lucrative profession in Pennsylvania, with salaries above the national average. The profession offers excellent job prospects, with the BLS predicting a 18% growth in employment for physical therapists between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
FAQs
1. What is the average salary for a physical therapist in Pennsylvania?
The average salary for a physical therapist in Pennsylvania was $90,290 in 2020 according to the BLS.
2. How does the salary of a physical therapist in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
The average salary for a physical therapist in Pennsylvania is slightly above the national average.
3. What factors affect a physical therapist’s salary in Pennsylvania?
Factors that affect a physical therapist’s salary in Pennsylvania include experience, specialization, geographical location, and the type of healthcare setting in which they work.
4. What is the job outlook for physical therapists in Pennsylvania?
The job outlook for physical therapists in Pennsylvania is excellent, with the BLS predicting a 18% growth in employment between 2019 and 2029.
5. What are the highest-paying specializations for physical therapists in Pennsylvania?
Physical therapists specializing in geriatrics or orthopedics tend to earn the highest salaries in Pennsylvania.
