Home / City Job Salaries / Physical Therapist in Washington

Physical Therapist Salary in Washington, DC

How much does a physical therapist make in Washington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Washington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$104,860
per year in Washington
Entry Level
$70,666
Starting salary
Senior Level
$142,473
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how physical therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Washington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$70,666$104,860$142,473
Monthly$5,889$8,738$11,873
Biweekly$2,718$4,033$5,480
Weekly$1,359$2,017$2,740
Hourly$34$50$68

Washington vs National Average

How Washington's physical therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Washington Salary
$104,860
COL Index: 158
National Average
$101,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,010
Higher in Washington

Cost of Living in Washington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$90,842
per year
Population
689,545
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Washington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Physical Therapist

Overview

Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility through rehabilitation.

Education

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); licensure required

Key Skills

RehabilitationPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningExercise Science

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Physical Therapist Salary

See Physical Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,470
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$117,000
+12%
Chicago, IL
$104,200
-1%
Houston, TX
$111,070
+6%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,080
-3%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a physical therapist salary in Washington.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Washington.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Washington.

Physical Therapist Salary in Washington, DC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a physical therapist in Washington, DC is $104,860 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Washington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level physical therapist professionals in Washington can expect to earn around $70,666 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level physical therapists earning approximately $142,473 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Washington's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Washington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $101,850, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a physical therapist's salary in Washington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 25.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Physical Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Washington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.