2026 Salary — Tennessee
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in Tennessee: $95K Median
Physical Therapists in Tennessee earn between $71K and $124K per year.
That's -5% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee is $94,725 per year — -5% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $71,250 (entry, 25th percentile) to $123,500 (90th percentile). Tennessee's cost-of-living index is 92. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Median
$94,725
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$74,100
Experienced
$109,250
Top 10%
$123,500
About Physical Therapists in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Walk-away anchor: $86,114.
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 — Tennessee
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee is $94,725 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $71,250 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $123,500 (90th percentile). Tennessee has no state income tax — increasing take-home meaningfully.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Tennessee compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Tennessee earn approximately 5% less than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $94,725 in Tennessee). Tennessee's cost-of-living index of 92 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Tennessee increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Tennessee grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $14,352 in 2025 to $94,725 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Tennessee cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Tennessee metros for Physical Therapists: Nashville ($100K), Memphis ($88K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Tennessee?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Tennessee's top industries include Healthcare, Manufacturing (Auto, EV), Logistics (FedEx), and the state's unemployment rate is 3.6% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Tennessee have state income tax?
No, Tennessee has no state income tax. This significantly boosts take-home pay vs comparable salaries in tax states like California or New York. At $94,725, you keep all of it (after federal + FICA).
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 Tennessee employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee: $86,114.
Methodology
Tennessee Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Tennessee's state multiplier (0.95×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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