Physical Therapist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$91,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Physical Therapist Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$65,025
Median
$91,800
Senior Level
$123,165

Physical Therapist salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningManual TherapyExercise PrescriptionDocumentation

Physical Therapist Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Physical Therapist professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Physical Therapist talent. The market for Physical Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Physical Therapists in Philadelphia

Penn MedicineJefferson HealthTemple HealthChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia

Major employers hiring Physical Therapists in Philadelphia include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Philadelphia offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Physical Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Physical Therapist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Physical Therapist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Physical Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapists

The job outlook for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Physical Therapist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $91,800 per year. Entry-level Physical Therapists typically start around $65,025, while experienced professionals can earn $123,165 or more. The national average for Physical Therapist roles is $90,000.

How many Physical Therapist jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Physical Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Physical Therapists include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Physical Therapists?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Physical Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Physical Therapists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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