Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN: $102,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Memphis, TN earns a median $102,460/year (≈ $49.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $111,153 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Memphis, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $102,460, which is slightly below the national average of $105,288. The salary range in this region varies significantly, spanning from $72,993 at the lower end (P10) to $129,192 at the upper end (P90). These insights are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, revealing how productivity pressures affect compensation within the field. The structure of physical therapist pay in Memphis reflects not only the demand for skilled practitioners but also the costs associated with personal living expenses, especially as the local economy continues to evolve.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,993 | $35.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,726 | $39.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,460 | $49.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,977 | $54.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,192 | $62.11 |
Median Salary Position
2.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,199 (2026 est.). At $102,460, the local median is 2.69% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be above the median
How Memphis Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Memphis median: $102,460/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $99,864 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.69% less |
Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $102,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.60% above the Tennessee state average of $99,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $102,460 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,153 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,490
2025 BLS Actual
$100,000
2026 Current Est.
$102,460
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 11.7% from $89,490 (2019) to $100,000 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,491 (17.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,993 – $82,726 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,726 – $102,460 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,460 – $113,977 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,977 – $129,192 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Memphis
With approximately 800 physical therapists employed in Memphis, the local job market shows solid strength amidst a cost-of-living index that sits at 92.179, indicating affordability compared to the national average. Prominent employers include outpatient orthopedic clinics like ATI and Athletico, which often incorporate productivity bonuses to attract talent while remaining competitive against hospital systems. Factors influencing pay disparities in the region include expectations for visits-per-day and the reimbursement model adopted by clinics—whether cash-pay or insurance. To maximize physical therapist pay in Memphis, practitioners might consider pursuing board certifications (such as OCS or SCS), exploring ownership opportunities, and selecting job opportunities that balance productivity demands with favorable compensation structures. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for new graduates and experienced therapists alike aiming to optimize their earning potential in the area.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Memphis, TN in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Memphis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Memphis?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,000 for physical therapistsin the Memphis metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov