How Much Do Physical Therapists Make
Most people get sick or injured and can be quickly taken care of by receiving the correct medication, or perhaps even surgery, but then there are those whose injuries are so extensive that they have to continue treatments for months or even years after an injury. When the doctor or surgeon has done his or her part, which often means that it’s time for a physical therapist to take over in order to get the patient back to their best physical shape possible. It can be a very challenging job, especially since many patients go through bouts of depression and anger during this process. For many, the reward is getting the patient back on their feet and feeling strong, but there are still those who want to know; how much do physical therapists make?
Like most careers, a physical therapists salary will depend on where they work, the amount of experience they are bringing to the position, and even which state they choose to work in. How much do physical therapists make is a very fair question, but if you are interested in landing that career, then there is much to be done before you can even begin discussing the salary.
That begins with going to school and working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical therapy. If you are looking at earning in the top end of the salary scale, then it would really behoove you to put in the extra couple of years to gain your master’s. That may be something you could accomplish while you work, as many PT positions can be landed simply by having your bachelor’s degree. While your education is an important element in landing a job, you are also going to have to have a very strong set of personal skills that will include patience, compassion, and understanding, as the vast majority of your work time is going to be spent with patients and their families, all of whom are bound to be somewhat emotional.
Whilst you are still in school, you should also be looking for facilities that may be willing to take you on as an intern. The physical therapy field is one that is extremely competitive, so any edge that you can give yourself will greatly enhance your chances of landing a permanent position once you have graduated. Keep in mind that you will also have to be licensed before you can work as a physical therapist so be sure to check and see exactly what is required in the state in which you intend to seek permanent employment.
The job outlook is very good for physical therapists, but it is definitely a field that can have a lot of qualified folks competing for the same job. When you hear the answer to the question of how much do physical therapists make, then it’s easy to understand why it is such a popular position. The average salary can run anywhere from $73,000 to $88,000 per year, which makes all the hard work very worthwhile. |
