Thinking about a career in physical therapy? You're not alone—and you might be onto something big.
Physical therapy isn’t just rewarding—it’s one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers in America. But what about the paycheck? Let’s break it down.
The U.S. physical therapy industry was valued at $65.4 billion in 2025, with projections pointing to 10.1% annual growth. That means more jobs, opportunities, and people relying on PT services—especially as the population ages. By 2060, an estimated 95 million seniors will need physical therapy to reduce pain and stay mobile.
So, what’s the earning potential?
That depends. A physical therapist’s salary can vary by location, education level, and years of experience. PTs can also increase their income through travel assignments, per diem work, or hourly contracts—offering flexibility and high earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists in 2023 was $100,440.
The top 25% of earners made over $113,630
The bottom 25% earned $81,970 or less
These figures reflect employed PTs, not clinic owners. Want to see what physical therapy practice owners earn? Click here for the breakdown.
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Physical Therapy Industry Report
The BLS projects a 17% increase in PT employment from 2021 to 2031, far outpacing the average for most careers. This surge is fueled by an aging population, rising rates of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and a growing emphasis on personalized healthcare and rehabilitation.
Translation: PTs are in high demand, and that demand is growing fast.
It’s no surprise, then, that U.S. News & World Report ranked physical therapist as #7 in Best Health Care Jobs for 2025.
Looking to maximize your earnings? The highest-paying states for physical therapists include:
In addition to geography, specialty, and employer type matter. PTs working in:
...tend to see the highest salaries across the board.
If you’re considering owning a physical therapy clinic, here’s the good news:
There’s serious income potential in private practice.
The healthcare industry is booming, and demand for physical therapy isn’t going anywhere—especially in outpatient and private practice settings. As a clinic owner, your income typically includes:
A base salary
A share of the clinic’s profits (a.k.a. the money left after expenses)
Well-run clinics can bring in $250,000 to $2.5 million annually in gross revenue. If you can manage your business at 20% pre-tax profitability, that could translate to $50,000 to $500,000 in annual profits—on top of your salary.
Some of the country's most successful clinic owners are part of the FYZICAL franchise network.
Read FYZICAL franchisee success stories to see how clinicians turned their careers into scalable businesses—and how you can too.
Bottom line: if you can sharpen your business skills and run an efficient, patient-focused practice, the earning potential can be significant—and scalable.
Private practice can pay big—but without the right systems, it can also cost you big.
Owning a physical therapy business comes with challenges—just like any business. Even the most skilled clinician can struggle without the tools to run a profitable operation.
From increased competition to rising operating costs to industry consolidation, the landscape can be tricky to navigate. And let’s be honest: excellent patient care doesn’t always translate into significant profit margins without the right systems in place.
There are proven business models and support systems that help PTs—and healthcare investors—successfully tap into the growing $65B+ physical therapy industry without having to figure it all out from scratch.
Let’s face it: running a business can feel overwhelming—especially for physical therapists trained in care, not cash flow. But understanding the economics of private practice is essential if you want to build something profitable, sustainable, and scalable.
There’s a science to success in this industry, and FYZICAL has already done the math. With proven systems, operational and educational support, franchisee support, growth-focused strategies, and our proprietary Balance Paradigm, we help physical therapists and entrepreneurs thrive—no guesswork required.
Whether you:
FYZICAL has a business model designed to fit your goals. If you're looking to partner with a well-funded entrepreneur to open and grow clinics together, our Partnership Advantage Program may be for you.
Ready to learn more about FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers?
The future of physical therapy is bright—and profitable. Don’t go it alone. Check your FYZICAL territory today and see how our proven systems can put you ahead of the curve.
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