2026 Salary — Rhode Island
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Rhode Island: $103K Median
Physical Therapists in Rhode Island earn between $77K and $134K per year.
That's +3% above the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Rhode Island is $102,701 per year — +3% above the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $77,250 (entry, 25th percentile) to $133,900 (90th percentile). Rhode Island's cost-of-living index is 110. State income tax applies.
Median
$102,701
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$80,340
Experienced
$118,450
Top 10%
$133,900
About Physical Therapists in Rhode Island
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Rhode Island
Walk-away anchor: $93,365.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Rhode Island
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Rhode Island?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Rhode Island is $102,701 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $77,250 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $133,900 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Rhode Island compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Rhode Island earn approximately 3% more than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $102,701 in Rhode Island). Rhode Island's cost-of-living index of 110 is close to the national average.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Rhode Island increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Rhode Island grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $15,561 in 2025 to $102,701 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Rhode Island cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Rhode Island has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Rhode Island?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Rhode Island's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Defense (Naval), and the state's unemployment rate is 4.5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
Does Rhode Island have state income tax?
Yes, Rhode Island has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $102,701, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Rhode Island employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Rhode Island?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Rhode Island: $93,365.
Methodology
Rhode Island Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Rhode Island's state multiplier (1.03×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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