Physical Therapist Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Tennessee pays physical therapists a median wage of $100,660 per year — that's $48.40/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 4,420 physical therapists make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Physical Therapist salaries in Tennessee are above the national average by approximately $794. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add physical therapist jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $100,660.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Tennessee has seen 13.9% wage growth for physical therapists — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $111,750 | $53.73 | +11.0% | 1,547 |
| Memphis | $106,700 | $51.30 | +6.0% | 1,237 |
| Knoxville | $103,700 | $49.86 | +3.0% | 795 |
| Chattanooga | $96,650 | $46.47 | -4.0% | 397 |
| Clarksville | $91,600 | $44.04 | -9.0% | 265 |
| Murfreesboro | $87,550 | $42.09 | -13.0% | 176 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Tennessee at $111,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add physical therapist jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Tennessee typically adds $82,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays physical therapists $111,750/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays physical therapists $97,500/yr — -3.1% vs Tennessee.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Nashville, TN→