By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Physical Therapy Degree and Career Guide
Physical Therapist Salary by State
Physical Therapist Salaries in Georgia
Georgia physical therapists have a lot to look forward to: a great cost of living state and salaries that go further because of it.
Georgia offers several reasons that make it a great state for physical therapists (PTs) to work. For one, Georgia’s healthcare industry is expanding, with new hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers being established across the state. Second, the cost of living in Georgia is lower than in some other states, especially in non-urban areas, which can enhance the purchasing power of PT salaries.
Third, Georgia is home to respected academic institutions with strong healthcare and medical programs. This environment creates opportunities for physical therapists interested in research, teaching, or academic-oriented careers.
These are three of several reasons, which we’ll explore below.
In this Article
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are 5,600 people employed as physical therapists in Georgia. This equates to only about 1.1 people working in the profession per every 1,000 people living in the Peachtree State. This could reflect promise for those who would like to become a PT in Georgia, as it depicts a state not saturated by the industry, and instead may offer career opportunities. The median wage per hour is $49 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 10.9%.
Georgia has a diverse healthcare sector with various physical therapy practice areas that might be more prevalent or hold unique opportunities compared to other states. Here are three areas of PT that are notably active or growing in Georgia:
Orthopedic and sports physical therapy
Georgia is home to several major sports teams and universities with strong athletic programs, creating a high demand for sports-related physical therapy. PTs who specialize in orthopedic and sports medicine can find opportunities with professional teams, collegiate athletics and sports medicine clinics.
Neurological rehabilitation
Georgia is home to specialized neurological rehabilitation centers, such as the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which focuses on spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. These centers provide unique opportunities for PTs interested in neurological rehabilitation.
Pediatric physical therapy
As one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the U.S., Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers extensive opportunities for PTs specializing in pediatric physical therapy. Georgia’s focus on early intervention programs and school-based physical therapy creates additional opportunities for PTs interested in working with children.
Here are five top employers in Georgia and how they use PT talent and skills:
- Emory Healthcare, Greater Atlanta area, GA.
- Emory Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare systems in Georgia, with a network of hospitals, clinics and specialized care centers. They offer a range of positions for physical therapists, from acute care in hospitals to outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers.
- Piedmont Healthcare, Multiple locations around Atlanta, GA.
- Piedmont Healthcare is a major healthcare provider in Georgia, with multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities across the state. Physical therapists can find opportunities in various settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics and home health services.
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
- CHOA is one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the United States, offering extensive services for children and adolescents. They have a significant demand for physical therapists, especially those specializing in pediatric care, within their hospitals and specialized outpatient clinics.
- Wellstar Health System, Marietta, GA.
- With a rehabilitation center and fitness center in Marietta, Wellstar Health System is a large healthcare provider with hospitals, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers throughout the state. They offer a range of physical therapy roles, including acute care, outpatient and home health services.
- Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA.
- Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, is a renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation. They employ a large number of physical therapists with expertise in neurological rehabilitation and related areas.
Salary statistics for Georgia
Median physical therapist salary in Georgia
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for physical therapists in Georgia is around $101,930, depending on location, experience and specialization. Entry-level physical therapists may earn less, while experienced practitioners in high-demand areas can earn significantly more.
Compare Georgia’s median annual PT salary with the median national salary for physical therapists—which is is $101,020 a year—and you can see that Georgia is just dollars above the national figure. Combine that with the fact that Georgia has a lower cost of living in some areas, and you can see that the median salary may go further in the state, which is good news.
Physical Therapists
10%$76,450
25%$81,990
50%$101,930Median
75%$118,720
90%$131,030
Median Hourly Wage$49
Job growth10.9%
Total Employment5,480
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $121,420 | $79,400 | $136,570 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $110,070 | $67,430 | $125,920 |
| Albany, GA | $108,690 | $75,230 | $118,890 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $106,380 | $78,170 | $122,620 |
| Dalton, GA | $105,540 | $69,600 | $121,830 |
| Rome, GA | $105,070 | $58,530 | $119,610 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $103,790 | $77,930 | $133,160 |
| Valdosta, GA | $98,260 | $62,400 | $121,620 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $98,230 | $71,740 | $119,720 |
| Savannah, GA | $97,300 | $76,790 | $124,920 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to physical therapists:
Salary range for a PT in Georgia
The salary range for PT professionals in Georgia typically spans from $76,450 for the lowest 10% in the field to $131,030 for the highest 10% in the field per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within the state of Georgia
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is a healthcare hub such as Atlanta or Marietta, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
As you can see, California takes nine of the top 10 spots for pay. But if you consider the highest metro areas within the U.S. for employment levels of PTs, you can see the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area is 10th on the BLS’ list of metro areas with highest employment levels of physical therapists.
Salary growth and job outlook
The key factors driving job and salary growth for PTs in Georgia include:
- Aging population: Georgia’s growing elderly population increases demand for physical therapy services, particularly in geriatric care and home health.
- Expanding healthcare industry: With new hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers being established, there’s a consistent demand for PTs across the state.
- Focus on wellness and preventive care: As healthcare trends shift toward preventive care and wellness, PTs play a crucial role in maintaining mobility and preventing injuries.
- Sports and rehabilitation focus: Georgia’s strong sports culture, with professional teams and college athletics, drives the need for sports-related physical therapy, contributing to job growth.
Overall, the job and salary growth outlook for physical therapists in Georgia is promising, with multiple factors contributing to a robust and expanding job market.
The BLS also anticipates faster than average growth for physical therapy nationwide:
10.9%
Job growth for physical therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
Factors that may affect physical therapist salaries in Georgia
Salaries for physical therapists in Georgia are influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, location and employer size. Urban areas like Atlanta tend to offer higher salaries due to the increased cost of living and demand for PTs. Specializations, such as sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation or pediatrics, can also command higher salaries.
The salary growth outlook for PTs in Georgia is positive due to the ongoing demand for services and the healthcare sector’s expansion. As healthcare providers compete for skilled PTs, there’s a push for competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, the diversity of practice settings in Georgia provides physical therapists with various career paths, contributing to overall salary growth potential.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly in Georgia?
To determine if you’re being paid correctly and fairly in Georgia, you need to consider several factors, including industry standards, your employment contract, and applicable laws and regulations. While Georgia does not have unique state-specific laws regarding wages that go beyond federal requirements, you can use the following steps to assess if you’re being paid fairly:
1. Research industry salary standards
- Salary benchmarks: Start by researching salary benchmarks for physical therapists in Georgia. You can use websites like Payscale, Glassdoor, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to find average salary ranges based on factors like experience, location and specialization.
- Professional associations: Organizations like the Georgia Physical Therapy Association (GPTA) or the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) might offer salary surveys or industry reports that provide insight into typical compensation for physical therapists.
2. Review your employment contract
- Employment agreement: Examine your employment contract to understand the terms of your compensation, including salary, benefits and any clauses related to bonuses, raises or promotions. Ensure that your employer is adhering to the agreed-upon terms.
- Company policies: Check if your employer has policies outlining compensation, including performance reviews and salary adjustments, to understand how they determine pay.
3. Consider federal wage laws
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Georgia abides by federal wage laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets the minimum wage, overtime pay and other wage-related requirements. While physical therapists are typically exempt from overtime pay due to their professional status, you should ensure you’re receiving at least the federal minimum wage and that your salary aligns with industry standards.
- Equal Pay Act: This federal law prohibits gender-based wage discrimination for the same work within the same establishment. If you believe you’re experiencing pay discrimination, you can explore this legal avenue.
4. Initiate a discussion with your employer
- Request a meeting: If you have concerns about your compensation, request a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to discuss your salary. Bring data from your salary research to support your position.
- Negotiate constructively: Approach the conversation professionally and be open to discussing how your compensation aligns with your contributions to the organization.
5. Legal avenues and state resources
- Georgia Department of Labor: This state agency handles labor-related issues but primarily focuses on federal labor laws like FLSA. If you suspect wage violations or discrimination, you can contact the Georgia Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor for guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): If you believe you’re experiencing discrimination related to pay, you can file a complaint with the EEOC, which investigates claims of workplace discrimination.
While Georgia does not have unique wage laws beyond federal requirements, these steps can help you assess if you’re being paid fairly and identify the appropriate resources for addressing concerns about your compensation.
Education and training
To become a licensed physical therapist (PT) in Georgia, you must follow a series of educational and certification steps that align with state requirements and national standards. Here is a comprehensive guide outlining the necessary steps to pursue a career in physical therapy in Georgia:
Complete a bachelor’s degree
You need a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to apply for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. While there’s no specific major required, degrees in health sciences, exercise science, biology or kinesiology are common choices for aspiring physical therapists.
Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
Enroll in a DPT program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program typically takes three years to complete and includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and clinical practice, as well as clinical rotations in various physical therapy settings.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
After completing your DPT program, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). This examination assesses your knowledge and skills in physical therapy. You should consider utilizing study guides, practice exams and review courses to prepare for the NPTE.
Apply for licensure in Georgia
After passing the NPTE, you need to apply for a license with the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy. The application process involves submitting your education credentials, NPTE results, and other required documentation, along with a fee.
The licensure process includes a background check and fingerprinting to ensure no criminal history or other disqualifying factors.
Maintain licensure with continuing education
In Georgia, PT licenses must be renewed every two years. During each renewal period, you must meet continuing education requirements to maintain your license. The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy requires PTs to complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle, including specific mandatory courses. Ensure you keep records of your CE credits.
Earn additional certifications (optional)
Although not required for licensure, PTs can pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as orthopedics, neurology, geriatrics or sports physical therapy. These certifications can enhance career prospects and increase earning potential.
Cost of living in Georgia
The cost of living in Georgia is generally lower than the national average, though it varies depending on the specific location within the state. When considering moving to or living in Georgia, it’s important to understand the various components that contribute to the cost of living. Here’s an overview of the key factors to consider:
- Housing:
- Georgia offers a range of housing costs, with urban areas like Atlanta, Savannah or Augusta typically having higher home prices and rent compared to smaller cities and rural areas. Overall, housing in Georgia is more affordable than in many other parts of the U.S.
- Utilities and transportation:
- Georgia has moderate utility costs, including electricity, water, gas and internet. Utilities are generally more affordable than in other states, but costs can vary depending on the provider and location.
- Taxes:
- Georgia has a state income tax with a progressive tax rate structure, ranging from 1% to 5.75%, depending on income level.
Property tax rates in Georgia are generally moderate, with variations depending on the county and property value. The statewide sales tax rate is 4%, but local jurisdictions can add additional taxes, resulting in rates typically between 6% and 8%. - Healthcare and health insurance:
- Check if your employer offers health insurance, and evaluate the cost of premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Georgia has a range of healthcare facilities, but costs can vary based on location and insurance coverage.
- Transportation:
- Atlanta has a public transportation system, MARTA, which includes buses and trains, but other cities in Georgia rely more on personal vehicles. If you’re commuting by car, consider fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance and parking fees.
Georgia professional associations for physical therapists and PTAs
Here are two professional associations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Georgia, offering resources for professional development, networking, continuing education and advocacy:
Georgia Physical Therapy Association (GPTA): The Georgia Physical Therapy Association is the state chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Georgia APTA provides resources for continuing education, networking, advocacy, and industry news specific to Georgia. They host conferences, workshops and events to connect PTs and PTAs across the state.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT): Although AAOMPT is a national association, it has members in Georgia who focus on orthopedic manual therapy. This association offers resources for PTs interested in orthopedics and manual therapy, providing continuing education, certifications and networking opportunities.
This physical therapist salary guide for Georgia aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.