Where PT, OT, SLP, & RT Salaries Are Highest & Lowest

Therapy roles are generally known to come with decent pay, but where are PTs, OTs, SLPs, and RTs earning the most and the least? Find out here.

Therapy roles are generally known to come with a decent wage, often ranking on lists of “Best Paying Jobs” both within and outside of healthcare.

Considering physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists are highly-skilled, in-demand healthcare workers, this should not be surprising. However, where they are paid the highest and the lowest salaries may surprise you.

Below are the 10 states where PTs, OTs, SLPs, and RTs make the most and the least, on average, according to 2020 salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Physical Therapists – Highest Paying States

  1. Nevada – $108,580
  2. California – $104,500
  3. Alaska – $101,190
  4. New Jersey – $100,740
  5. Connecticut – $100,580
  6. New Mexico – $98,580
  7. Delaware – $97,260
  8. Illinois – $97,060
  9. District of Columbia – $96,090
  10. Virginia – $94,370

Physical Therapists – Lowest Paying States

  1. South Dakota – $78,850
  2. Vermont – $81,580
  3. Idaho – $82,470
  4. Maine – $83,380
  5. Iowa – $83,640
  6. Arkansas – $84,410
  7. Montana – $84,600
  8. South Carolina – $84,640
  9. Missouri – $84,660
  10. North Dakota – $84,880

Occupational Therapists – Highest Paying States

  1. Nevada – $111,270
  2. California – $101,080
  3. Arizona – $99,950
  4. New Jersey – $98,750
  5. District of Columbia – $96,330
  6. Virginia – $95,170
  7. Alaska – $93,980
  8. Rhode Island – $93,330
  9. Connecticut – $92,000
  10. Colorado – $91,650

Occupational Therapists – Lowest Paying States

  1. Maine – $72,500
  2. North Dakota – $73,280
  3. South Dakota – $74,580
  4. Vermont – $75,330
  5. Montana – $76,200
  6. Wisconsin – $76,850
  7. Michigan – $77,600
  8. Minnesota – $77,790
  9. Missouri – $78,660
  10. South Carolina – $79,840

Speech-Language Pathologists – Highest Paying States

  1. District of Columbia – $101,920
  2. Connecticut – $100,590
  3. New Jersey – $100,330
  4. New York – $98,010
  5. California – $95,570
  6. Virginia – $92,520
  7. Colorado – $91,200
  8. Oregon – $87,850
  9. Rhode Island – $87,270
  10. Alaska – $87,250

Speech-Language Pathologists – Lowest Paying States

  1. South Dakota – $59,270
  2. Alabama – $66,400
  3. West Virginia – $67,010
  4. Mississippi – $67,250
  5. North Dakota – $67,790
  6. Maine – $69,250
  7. South Carolina – $71,340
  8. Nebraska – $71,940
  9. Montana – $72,220
  10. Idaho – $72,390

Respiratory Therapists – Highest Paying States

  1. California – $87,190
  2. District of Columbia – $82,940
  3. New York – $79,840
  4. Hawaii – $77,930
  5. Nevada – $77,380
  6. Massachusetts – $76,270
  7. Washington – $75,380
  8. New Jersey – $74,710
  9. Alaska – $74,390
  10. Oregon – $72,340

Respiratory Therapists – Lowest Paying States

  1. Mississippi – $51,480
  2. Kentucky – $51,800
  3. Alabama – $51,820
  4. West Virginia – $52,400
  5. South Dakota – $53,610
  6. Tennessee – $54,310
  7. Louisiana – $55,720
  8. Iowa – $56,260
  9. Arkansas – $56,400
  10. Georgia – $56,750

Ready to start your search for a higher paying therapy job? Click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Therapy’s Most In-Demand Roles

Despite being majorly impacted by the pandemic, healthcare employment is rebounding at a steady clip. What types of therapy professionals are needed the most right now, and where?

As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in April of 2020, despite being, arguably, the most needed and relevant industry, healthcare accounted for approximately 6.8% of the more than 20 million jobs lost in the U.S. during that time.

Fast forward to present day, and healthcare is rebounding at a steady clip. Despite the current overall unemployment rate being 5.8%, unemployment in healthcare has dropped to only 3.1%. Healthcare has consistently seen notable job gains over the last several months, including most recently when it added 23,000 jobs in May of 2021.

What types of therapy professionals are needed the most right now? And where are they needed? We break it down for you below, according to data from our jobs site.

1. Speech-Language Pathologist

Percentage of Available Therapy Jobs on Our Site: 30%
Most Needed In: California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Florida
View All SLP Jobs →

2. Physical Therapist

Percentage of Available Therapy Jobs on Our Site: 22.2%
Most Needed In: California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and New York
View All PT Jobs →

3. Occupational Therapist

Percentage of Available Therapy Jobs on Our Site: 18.4%
Most Needed In: California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York
View All OT Jobs →

4. Respiratory Therapist

Percentage of Available Therapy Jobs on Our Site: 16.1%
Most Needed In: Ohio, Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Georgia
View All RT Jobs →

5. Physical Therapist Assistant

Percentage of Available Therapy Jobs on Our Site: 7.3%
Most Needed In: California, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Connecticut
View All PTA Jobs →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

States with the Most Therapy Jobs

California appears to be the state with the highest demand across all therapy professions. What other states are seeing strong demand for PTs, OTs, and SLPs?

California appears to be the state with the highest demand across all therapy professions, having the most openings in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology. What other states are seeing strong demand for therapists? We analyzed data on our site and came up with the three states with the most available openings for PTs, OTs, and SLPs right now, as well as a selection of noteworthy openings for each position type.

Physical Therapy

1. California

Number of PT Jobs Available in California: 879

Average Annual PT Salary in California: $97,610

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in California

2. Virginia

Number of PT Jobs Available in Virginia: 222

Average Annual PT Salary in Virginia: $90,960

Noteworthy Openings in Virginia:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in Virginia

3. New York

Number of PT Jobs Available in New York: 200

Average Annual PT Salary in New York: $85,100

Noteworthy Openings in New York:

Click Here to Search PT Jobs in New York

Occupational Therapy

1. California

Number of OT Jobs Available in California: 326

Average Annual OT Salary in California: $97,260

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in California

2. Texas

Number of OT Jobs Available in Texas: 208

Average Annual OT Salary in Texas: $87,780

Noteworthy Openings in Texas:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in Texas

3. Illinois

Number of OT Jobs Available in Illinois: 116

Average Annual OT Salary in Illinois: $84,820

Noteworthy Openings in Illinois:

Click Here to Search OT Jobs in Illinois

Speech-Language Pathology

1. California

Number of SLP Jobs Available in California: 497

Average Annual SLP Salary in California: $92,750

Noteworthy Openings in California:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in California

2. Texas

Number of SLP Jobs Available in Texas: 241

Average Annual SLP Salary in Texas: $71,940

Noteworthy Openings in Texas:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in Texas

3. Florida

Number of SLP Jobs Available in Florida: 176

Average Annual SLP Salary in Florida: $76,820

Noteworthy Openings in Florida:

Click Here to Search SLP Jobs in Florida

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Speaking with a Speech Language Pathologist

“Those moments when there is progress and I have changed my clients lives for the better carry me through the difficult times,” says Christie Moran, MS, CCC/SLP-L in this interview about what she has loved, and learned, about being an SLP.

Christie Moran, MS, CCC/SLP-L has been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist for 14 years, serving in many different settings and across varying populations. In this interview, she lets us in on her experiences in speech therapy, as well as what she’s learned, and loved, over the course of her career.

Why did you choose to become an SLP? What drew you to this line of work? Is your experience as an SLP what you expected it would be?

I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. I enjoyed interacting with both kids and older adults through my volunteering opportunities. I loved learning about language development and how the brain processes language has always been fascinating to me.

I have never regretted my career choice, but my experience has not been what I expected. I always saw myself working in a hospital; however, both professional and personal choices have moved me further from that choice and I find myself working more and more in schools. This profession has given me the opportunity to work in different settings and with different populations, not all careers would have that choice. I am able to personalize my career to my needs, both personal and professional, and I am extremely thankful for that.

What sort of setting do you work in?

I have experience in schools, early childhood, home health, early intervention, private clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient adult clinics, and as a hippotherapist (using horses as a therapy modality) and using pet assisted therapy and natural settings. Last year, I worked with a school district as a case manager and therapist for 20 students aged pre-school through 2nd grade, one day a week, and a therapist for a unique communication and behavior program for students aged pre-school through 1st grade, 4 days a week.

As you know, SLPs see clients ranging from young children to the elderly, which population do you serve and why did you choose that area?

I maintain certifications and continuing education with both pediatric and elderly populations. Being a speech-language pathologist can be very intense and challenging. Unfortunately, burnout is common in our profession and one way I avoid burnout is by working with a variety of clients and diagnosis in different settings. Recently, I have been working with students diagnosed with autism and other genetic disorders and motor speech disorders to help them develop functional and social language skills, including developing augmentative and alternative communication systems to help them communicate.

What are the most rewarding parts of being an SLP? The most challenging?

I love helping my clients and their families communicate and become functional communicators. I love working with families and collaborating with families and other professionals. I am a lifelong learner and enjoy learning different ways to help my clients communicate, improve their swallowing, feeding and oral motor speech skills. I enjoy being challenged to keep it relevant to my individual clients, so that they are engaged and are able to carryover the skills I teach them. Those moments when there is progress and I have changed my clients lives for the better carry me through the difficult times. Whether it is celebrating with an elderly man and his wife when he is able to safely swallow his favorite meal again to when a 4-year-old child is able to request his favorite toy using picture choices and eye contact.

I would say the most challenging part of my job is the paperwork and keeping up with the ever-changing laws and regulations that need to be followed.

Is there any advice, or tricks of the trade, you’d like to impart to your fellow SLPs, or those looking to get into the profession? In your opinion, what personal or professional qualities make someone a good SLP?

A good SLP must have passion and patience. A desire for lifelong learning. An ability to communicate and collaborate with families and other professionals. Professional qualities should include the ability to set priorities and manage time well, a quality I am still learning. There are many types of SLPs out there, and many different settings and opportunities, I would tell those in the profession already and those entering it to remember to stay flexible, explore your options and different settings through networking, contract work and mentoring opportunities, and remember, everything changes, all the time, so enjoy the good times and prepare for the challenging ones.

Interested in sharing some insight about your specialty and experience with your fellow therapy professionals? Email us to set up an interview.


Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Best Ways to Survive as a Travel SLP

Are you an SLP who’s dreading traveling from building to building or house to house each day? Here are some helpful tips to survive it.

from Speech Time Fun

Now that kids have gone back to school, many SLPs find themselves split between two or even three or four buildings. Some SLPs travel from house to house if you work with early intervention. It is a very common thing. Yet, many struggle to stay organized, calm, prepared, and confident. Keep reading to see how I have survived in the past and what I would do if faced with the challenge again.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

9 Self Care Tips for the Time-Crunched Therapist

Strategies helpful to prevent feeling overwhelmed and burned out for SLPs and other therapy professionals.

from ASHA Leader

Therapy professions attract driven people who are passionate about helping others, and this combination of traits can sometimes lead to feeling overwhelmed and burned out. Many therapy professionals have struggled with work/life balance at times, and a little self care can go a long way to combat that. Read on to discover tips for self care for SLPs and other therapy professionals from a fellow therapist who has endured this same struggle.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Reasons and Ways to Use Gross Motor Equipment in Articulation Treatment

Explore some benefits of using gross motor equipment as a speech-language pathologist.

from ASHA Leader

I’m a school-based and private clinician, but some of my favorite therapy activities use equipment more typically associated with occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) services. When I can get my hands on them! Stability balls, sensory bins, tummy scooters… these activities are highly engaging for students and can promote progress with their speech-language goals.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Language Skills Blossom from STEM

An SLP uses STEM—science, technology, engineering, mathematics—vocabulary and activities to cultivate language and literacy skills among older students.

from The ASHA Leader

Jennifer Garrett has developed a passion for finding inventive ways to treat language and literacy disorders in older students. A couple of years ago, she was searching for a new approach and found one in a less-than-obvious place: science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Learning to Talk Like a Woman (or Man)

Some transgender men and women are turning to Speech Language Pathologists for help with feminizing or masculinizing their voices.

from The New York Times

Just as some transgender women and men choose to take hormones or have surgery, or choose neither, some seek to feminize or masculinize their voices. Many say they want a voice that matches their appearance or that the change allows them to escape unwanted attention. There’s also a growing recognition among health professionals who have transgender patients that altering one’s voice can improve quality of life and reduce distress.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Building a Connected Community

Based on research and personal experiences, a Speech-Language Pathologist strives to build a community for adults with autism.

from The ASHA Leader

There’s a stereotype that people with high-functioning autism seek to avoid in-person interaction because of social challenges. But Heidi Stieglitz Ham believes the opposite is true for most people with autism. “I’ve seen so many people on the autism spectrum make significant gains with just a little outreach,” she says. That’s why she’s planning to build a community where adults with autism can enjoy social contact and develop a sense of belonging.

Read More →

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.