How Much Does a Pediatric Physical Therapist Make?

Pediatric physical therapists work with children as patients, helping them with strength and movement therapy. The patients may have disorders such as cerebral palsy, might have experienced a head injury or sports injury, or may be recovering from a serious illness. Pediatric physical therapists often are employed in pediatric clinics and hospitals, while some work at physical therapy centers. Salary information is provided by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Payscale and Indeed websites.

Starting Salary

Starting median salary for pediatric physical therapists as of 2009 was about $50,000, with an increase to about $58,000 after five years.

Average Salary

Average for all pediatric physical therapists specifically was around $66,000 in 2008, compared with the average for all physical therapists at around $74,000.

Lower-Paying Jobs

Pediatric physical therapists working for non-profit organizations, school districts, and state and local government generally earned the lowest pay, with a median salary of around $52,000.

Higher-Paying Jobs

Those in private practice made the most, between $60,000 to $70,000 on average.

Benefits

Pediatric physical therapy jobs usually are full-time, with benefits including health insurance, paid holidays and vacations, and a 401(k) plan. Often a sign-on bonus and relocation package is included upon hiring.

Resources

• Payscale Salary Charts