Healthcare

Physical Therapist

A comprehensive guide to Physical Therapist licensing requirements across all 50 states. Compare median salaries, educational prerequisites, and processing timelines to plan your next career move effectively.

Median Salary

$99,867 / yr

Min. Education

Varies by state board

Job Outlook

Comparable to national median earnings

Top Paying State

California

Coverage: 50 states

Best StatesWeighted score Highest PayingAnnual median salary Fastest LicenseShortest typical licensing path Lowest CostLowest parsed initial licensing fee

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The Complete Physical Therapist Career Guide

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Top Paying State

California

$123,300 / yr

View Requirements

Rank #2

Alaska

$108,640 / yr

View Requirements

Rank #3

New Jersey

$106,310 / yr

View Requirements

State	Median Salary	License Type	Education Required	Est. Timeline	Action
CA CaliforniaCompact: No	$123,300High CoL Adjusted	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details
AK AlaskaCompact: Yes	$108,640High CoL Adjusted	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details
NJ New JerseyCompact: Yes	$106,310High CoL Adjusted	Stand-alone license	Degree required	Varies by board	Details
NV NevadaCompact: Pending	$105,170High CoL Adjusted	Stand-alone license	Degree required	Varies by board	Details
OR OregonCompact: Yes	$104,430High CoL Adjusted	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details
MD MarylandCompact: No	$104,330High CoL Adjusted	Register with licensing agency	Varies by state board	Varies by board	Details