Physical Therapist salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$102,980/year
about $49.51 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $94,680 – $127,020
Half of physical therapists in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $102,980 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $102,760, and ranks #21 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $79,080 | $38.02 |
| 25th | $94,680 | $45.52 |
| Median (50th) | $102,980 | $49.51 |
| 75th | $127,020 | $61.07 |
| 90th (top earners) | $137,070 | $65.90 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a physical therapist job in the Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $94,680 ($45.52/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $94,680 to $127,020 ($45.52 to $61.07/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $127,020 ($61.07/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Productivity targets (patients per day or visits per week) vary a lot. Ask for the exact number.
- Home health and travel PT roles often pay more than outpatient clinics.
- Some employers offer student loan repayment, which can be worth more than a small raise.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Physical Therapists (SOC 29-1123). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.