In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, physiotherapy is one of the essential pillars. It helps people regain their mobility and well-being. In 2023, physiotherapy in the USA is brimming with opportunities, and students are eager to explore this profession’s vast horizon.
It is predicted that 15% of employment opportunities will be increased from 2020 to 2034. Physiotherapy in the USA is one of the most profitable jobs, with equal job satisfaction.
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The physiotherapist salary in the USA ranges from 60,52,261 INR to 77,61,016 INR. The scope of physiotherapists in the USA is extensive in various healthcare sectors like rehabilitation, recovery, orthopaedics and preventive care for muscle injuries.
You should consider studying in the USA as it provides a top-notch physiotherapy program. A degree from the USA provides global recognition and the best career opportunities.
Working as a Physiotherapist in the USA
A physiotherapist, a physical therapist(pt), applies various techniques and therapies to rehabilitate and recover patients suffering from any physical problems due to an illness, a disability or an injury.
Below listed are some of the job tasks of a physical therapist:
- Assisting clients in recovery from an injury or an illness
- Recording the progress of the recovery of the patient
- Educating patients and their caregivers on in-home exercises
- Helping them to cope with crutches and other medical tools
Let us look at the average annual salary of a physiotherapist working in the USA and the factors that affect it.
Physiotherapist Salary in USA: Overview
The average physiotherapist’s salary in the USA ranges from 60,52,261 INR to 77,61,016 INR. The range of the salaries is from 47,25,759 INR to 78,07,071 INR, which increases with an increase in years of experience. Physiotherapy is an upcoming field in terms of both salary and job opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a growth of 15% in physical therapy between 2022 to 2032, with the addition of 37,300 jobs. Job Experience is among the most important factors in earning as a physiotherapist. The other factors that influence the average annual income include your level of education at the time of practice as a physiotherapist, the location of your work and even your gender. The median salary of a physiotherapist in the USA is around 81,33,597 INR per annum and 3,910 INR per hour.
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Physiotherapist Salary in USA with Years of Experience
The years of experience in this job are among the most significant factors. As already known, with more experience comes more wages. It is also important for a physiotherapist to keep themselves updated with the latest therapeutic methods and techniques.
Here is an approximate breakdown of the physiotherapist’s salary in the USA based on the experience level.
| Experience | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| 0 – 2 Years | 92,97,204 |
| 2 – 5 Years | 1,17,35,951 |
| 5 – 10 Years | 1,52,81,707 |
| 10 – 15 Years | 1,81,86,563 |
| 15 – 20 Years | 1,98,92,854 |
| 20+ Years | 2,11,74,653 |
It can be said that, on average, a physical therapist’s salary doubles after they acquire experience of more than ten years.
Physiotherapist Salary in USA: Top Universities
Some top universities in the USA master’s are tabulated below, along with their average tuition fees.
| University Name | Tuition fees in INR |
| Northwestern University | 52,43,723 |
| George Mason University | 31,26,840 |
| University of Delaware | 47,44,320 |
| University of Pittsburgh | 29,96,413 |
| Elon University | 36,64,696 |
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Physiotherapist Salary in USA: Top hiring company
Some of the top hiring companies in the US for physiotherapists are listed below, along with their salaries.
| University Name | Average Salary in INR |
| Government of South Australia | 75,65,527 |
| AWWA Ltd | 54,46,313 |
| Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance | 53,21,713 |
| Nova Scotia Health Authority | 49,51,822 |
Become a Physiotherapist in the USA
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- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Prerequisites are needed for an entrance exam of a physical therapy program. The courses of this may include biology, anatomy and chemistry.
- Enrol in a doctor of physical therapy program: These programs are usually for three years and require your bachelor’s degree as proof for admission. The courses in these programs range from biology to exercise physiology to finance, which are by the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Complete a clinical residency: There is a clinical aspect to this degree. After graduation, you may follow through with a clinical residency or fellowships to gain practical experience and strengthen your portfolio as a physical therapist.
- Obtain your license: Physical Therapists must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination. You will also need to obtain a state license.
- Become board-certified: You can obtain additional certifications if you want to specialize. You must pass the exam and complete hours of clinical work before receiving your certification.
To learn more about pursuing physiotherapy in the USA, refer to the blog here.
Physiotherapist Salary in the USA: Top Paying States in the USA
The top highest salary-paying states of the USA, along with the average salary amount, are mentioned below.
| State | Annual Mean Salary in INR |
| Alaska | 86,95,424 |
| Connecticut | 86,49,646 |
| New Jersey | 87,75,328 |
| California | 95,07,785 |
| Nevada | 88,12,784 |
Physiotherapy salary in USA: Prospects for 2023?
As mentioned earlier, physiotherapy is a growing field. Physiotherapy is ranked 3rd in healthcare jobs by the American Physical Therapy Association, considering factors like growth rate, employment rate, stress level and work-life balance.
Employment of physiotherapists is predicted to grow to 15% in 2022 to 2032, faster than average for all occupations. Around 13,900 openings for physical therapists are projected every year. Other factors influence your professional life. Choosing the right city to maintain the required work-life balance is also important. We are here to guide you about your desired city in the US, like the cost of living and the quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Though physiotherapy is a physical job, it’s enjoyable and fulfilling and gives a sense of satisfaction. By 2032, the employment of physiotherapists is predicted to grow to 15% in the US. It is a field in which, with enough experience, you can work on your terms and at your will.
You can start your journey in the US by applying to different companies or researching your master’s college in the US. And, of course, the job pays you well enough to make the practitioners happy.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Q. Is physiotherapy an in-demand job?
A. It can be said that physiotherapy has a B-employability rating, as it is an upcoming field with a boost in the employment rate. By 2030, the job openings for physiotherapists will increase by 15% in the US.
Q. Which is the highest-paying specialization in physiotherapy?
A. The highest-paying specialization in physiotherapy is working in nursing and residential care facilities will land you the highest amount of money, followed by home healthcare services.
Q. Am I eligible if I have an Indian BPT degree?
A. Yes, you are eligible if you have an Indian BPT degree. Still, you must clear the National Physical Therapy Exam controlled by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to get a license to work as a Physiotherapist in the USA.
Q. What is the salary of a physiotherapist in the US?
A. The average physiotherapist’s salary in the USA ranges from 60,52,261 INR to 77,61,016 INR. The range of the salaries is from 4725759 INR to 7807071, which increases with an increase in years of experience.
Q. Can Indian physiotherapists work in the US?
A. Suppose a physiotherapist trained in India wants to practice in the United States. In that case, they may be required to undergo a credential evaluation and testing process to determine if their education and training are equivalent to the standards set by the state licensing board.
Q. What is the scope of physiotherapy in the US?
A. In the USA, there’s a great deal of scope for physiotherapy. After completing your physiotherapy training in the US, you can work in various public and private hospitals, home healthcare services, nursing homes and doctors’ offices.
Q. Which states are best for the start of the career?
A. Some of the top states in the US where you can practice physical therapy are:
1. New Jersey
2. California
3. Nevada
4. Alaska
Q. Should I study master’s in the US?
A. You are recommended to complete your master’s degree from the US. Once, you complete your degree, you will have an upper hand in getting a job opportunity.
Q. What will be my job profile being a physiotherapist in the US?
A. Physiotherapists help patients by treating the physical problems that arise from illness, injury, disability or ageing. Physiotherapists are responsible for determining treatment, assessing the patient’s recovery and performing therapeutic exercises.
Q. Can a physiotherapist get a green card in the US?
A. ‘Physical Therapist’ is a ‘Schedule A’ occupation. As Labor Certification is not required when applying for a Green Card for physical therapists, getting a Green Card for physical therapists is quicker when compared with other Employment-Based Green Card categories.
Q. Is the fees of entry-level and experienced physiotherapist different?
A. Yes, the fees of entry-level and experienced physiotherapist is different due to the years of experience. The entry-level annual salary is 92,97,204 INR, whereas the 20+ experienced average salary is 2,11,74,653 INR.
Q. What factors affect the salary of a physiotherapist in the US?
A. The physical therapist’s salary can be affected in the following ways in the US:
1. Education
2. Experience
3. Location
4. Specialization
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