How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make in Washington in 2026?

A typical Physical Therapist in Washington earns about $50.94 per hour ($105,950 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from the annual figure, that comes to roughly $8,829 a month and $2,038 a week. Actual pay varies by employer, setting, and experience, but these figures reflect what most Physical Therapists in the state take home.

Washington pay runs 3% above the national figure for Physical Therapists, which stands at $102,760 a year ($49.40 an hour), according to the same wage data. That places Washington 7th among all 51 states for Physical Therapist pay. About 5,370 Physical Therapists work across the state, a workforce size that puts the figures above in context.

Entry-level positions in Washington typically offer around $37.64 an hour, or about $78,300 a year, for Physical Therapists just starting out. Pay tends to rise from there as clinicians gain experience and build a caseload. Within a few years, many reach the state's typical pay of $50.94 an hour ($105,950 a year). Setting and location also shape how quickly that climb happens.

Experienced Physical Therapists in Washington often earn upwards of $62.21 an hour, or around $129,390 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $137,560 a year ($66.14 an hour). That leaves a spread of $59,260 between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a part in where an individual PT lands within that range.

Washington's typical pay for Physical Therapists climbed from $85,430 in 2015 to $105,950 in 2025, a gain of $20,520. That's a 24% rise over the decade, tracking steady growth in the state's healthcare sector. The increase held up through year-to-year fluctuations, including a jump between 2020 and 2021, as pay moved from $92,660 to $99,330.

Nationally, Physical Therapist pay rose 22% over the same ten years, so Washington's gain outpaced the national trend by a couple of points. Pay for the profession has moved up steadily in the state, though past growth doesn't guarantee future gains for someone starting a Physical Therapist career now.

Pay runs highest in Walla Walla, where Physical Therapists earn $115,740 a year ($55.64 an hour), about 9% above the statewide figure. East Wenatchee and Wenatchee follow closely at $114,980 a year, with Anacortes and Mount Vernon close behind at $113,510. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Bellingham sits at the bottom of the state's list at $96,450 a year ($46.37 an hour), leaving a spread of $19,290 between the highest-paying and lowest-paying cities. Tacoma has the largest Physical Therapist workforce in the state, with 2,950 employed at $107,290 a year. Smaller cities with higher pay, like Walla Walla, often carry a higher cost of living, which tends to explain part of the gap.

Among Washington's neighbors, Alaska pays Physical Therapists the most, at $115,280 a year, about 9% above Washington's figure. Oregon runs close behind at $103,510 a year, about 2% below Washington, while Idaho trails at $99,000 a year, roughly 7% below. Physical Therapy licenses can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which makes it easier to compare offers or relocate for higher pay without starting the licensing process from scratch.

Physical Therapists in Washington typically earn $105,950 a year ($50.94 an hour), a figure that has climbed 24% over the past decade. Pay varies by city and experience, from entry-level positions near $78,300 to top earners above $137,560. For licensing requirements, check Washington's state licensing board or PT registry page; for local figures, see the city-specific pages for Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, and other Washington metro areas.