Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN: $72,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Memphis, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,993 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Memphis's local price level (BEA RPP 92.2 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,186 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,460) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For graduates entering the physical therapy field in Memphis, Tennessee, the anticipated starting salary in 2026 is approximately $72,993, which reflects the lowest end of the salary range for new physical therapists. This starting pay is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $102,460 for physical therapists in the Memphis area, suggesting a notable gap as new professionals begin their careers. Over the first few years, as skills and experience are gained, new graduates can expect progression that leads up to the 25th percentile earning around $82,726, providing a clear upward trajectory that aligns with industry expectations. With a projected growth rate of 2.46% annually in the sector, Memphis presents a favorable market for novice physical therapists seeking opportunities to develop their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Memphis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Entry-level physical therapists in Memphis, TN typically start between $72,993 and $82,726 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,199 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,460 — 2.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Tennessee of $105,000 represents just 143.85% of the starting physical therapist pay ($72,993/year) in Memphis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Memphis
- 1Research the Memphis market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $72,993 to $82,726, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Memphis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Memphis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Memphis's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Memphis is $56,199 ( 76.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,993, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,192.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,320
2025 BLS Actual
$71,240
2026 Current Est.
$72,993
2019–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,788 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Memphis, TN grew 9.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,320 in 2019 to $71,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,788. New graduates entering the Memphis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Memphis
Potential employers for entry-level physical therapists in Memphis include outpatient orthopedic chains, which are often the first choice for newly licensed physical therapists owing to their structured productivity models. Facility operators, such as Genesis or RehabCare, may offer more attractive initial salaries at skilled nursing facilities while also having residency programs within hospital systems that can fast-track professional growth through board certification. For those looking to increase their earning potential, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, coupled with passing the NPTE exam for licensure in Tennessee, is crucial. New graduates are encouraged to consider specialized residency or fellowship programs alongside APTA membership, which could enhance their profiles in a competitive job market. In these formative years, salaries can vary, but with hard work and commitment, early-career professionals can realistically see salary advancements as they establish themselves in the workforce.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Memphis in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Memphis?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Memphis?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Memphis?
How do I become a physical therapist in Tennessee?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Memphis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov