Average Physical Therapists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Physical Therapists in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $91,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $102,240, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, may influence compensation levels in this region. While slightly lower than the national benchmark, understanding the local economic landscape is key to interpreting this salary data.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,430.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA region supports a dedicated workforce of 430 Physical Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these professionals is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established market. The presence of 1.595 jobs per 1,000 workers further suggests a consistent demand for physical therapy services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-10.1%below the national average.
$44.2
$1,768
$7,660
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for healthcare services typically drive salary increases, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Physical Therapists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is typically reflected in salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $72,170 | $34.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $68,940 | $33.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,650 | $47.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $114,900 | $55.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $114,430 | $55 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,920 for Physical Therapists in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
1.595
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.99x the national average concentration of Physical Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the Physical Therapist job market in Chattanooga, TN-GA is almost exactly aligned with the national average in terms of professional concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand and supply are relatively stable, without significant oversupply or undersupply of professionals, making it a competitive but accessible market for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Physical Therapists Salary | $102,820↑ 12% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Physical Therapists Salary | $95,830↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Physical Therapists Salary | $97,670↑ 6% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Physical Therapists Salary | $98,180↑ 7% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Physical Therapists Salary | $100,840↑ 10% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $91,920. This typically ranges from $72,170 for entry-level positions to $114,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 10.1% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Physical Therapists in Chattanooga earn $91,920 annually, which is on par with the national average cost of living. This means your salary has strong purchasing power within the local market.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($102,820) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Physical Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $91,920, which is slightly lower than the national average of $102,240.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapists in Chattanooga compared to the nation?
Chattanooga has a concentration of Physical Therapists very close to the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.99.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect a Physical Therapist's salary?
The cost of living in Chattanooga is at the national average (100), meaning the $91,920 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the size of the Physical Therapist workforce in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 430 Physical Therapists working in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.595 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA