Physical Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN
Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $57,000/year, ranging from $43,890 (25th percentile) to $91,200 (90th percentile). After Tennessee state taxes (0%) and cost-of-living adjustments (COL index 83), this is equivalent to $68,675 in purchasing power vs the US average.
On the ground in Memphis, TN
Physical therapy in Memphis draws talent to clinics affiliated with Baptist Health, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and numerous independent rehab centers serving the broader Mid-South region. The no state income tax advantage in Tennessee means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket compared to neighboring states, a meaningful edge on a median salary in the mid-50s. Rent for a one-bedroom in Midtown or Cooper-Young runs around $900 to $1,100 monthly, keeping housing costs reasonable if you're willing to live close to the practice corridor along Poplar Avenue. Most therapists here rely on personal vehicles since public transit is limited; the city sprawls across relatively flat terrain, making commutes predictable but car-dependent. Summer heat and humidity can lengthen treatment sessions as patients manage orthopedic recovery and sports injuries in a climate that keeps outdoor activity year-round, shaping the types of cases you'll see most frequently.
1Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN
2Estimated Take-Home & Purchasing Power
* Estimates only. Does not include federal income tax, 401k, health insurance, or local taxes. Use the Salary Calculator for a detailed breakdown.
How Does Memphis, TN Compare?
| City | Median | COL Index | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN (current) | $57,000 | 83 | $68,675 |
| Nashville, TN | $71,000 | 110 | $64,545 |
| San Francisco, CA | $105,000 | 186 | $56,452 |
| New York, NY | $101,000 | 187 | $54,011 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,000 | 162 | $62,963 |
| Boston, MA | $93,000 | 162 | $57,407 |
4Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Memphis, TN?
The median Physical Therapist salary in Memphis, TN is $57,000 per year as of 2026 BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $43,890 and the 90th percentile is $91,200.
Is Memphis, TN a good place to work as a Physical Therapist?
Memphis, TN has a cost of living index of 83 (US average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, a $57,000 Physical Therapist salary in Memphis, TN is equivalent to $68,675 in purchasing power compared to the US average.
What is the cost of living adjustment for Memphis, TN?
Memphis, TN has a cost of living index of 83, meaning it is 17% less expensive than the US average. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is approximately 0%.
What is the Physical Therapist salary range in Memphis, TN?
In Memphis, TN, Physical Therapists earn between $43,890 (25th percentile) and $91,200 (90th percentile), with a median of $57,000 per year.
How many Physical Therapist jobs are there in Memphis, TN?
According to BLS OEWS data, there are approximately 12,000 Physical Therapist positions in the Memphis, TN metropolitan area.
What do Physical Therapists earn in Memphis, TN?
Based on BLS OEWS 2026 data, Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN earn a median annual wage of $57,000. The middle 50% earn between $43,890 and $72,960. The top 10% earn more than $91,200. There are approximately 12,000 Physical Therapists employed in the Memphis, TN metro area, with annual job growth estimated at 3%.
Is Memphis, TN a good place for a Physical Therapist?
Memphis, TN has a cost of living index of 83 (US average = 100), making it 17% less expensive than the national average. After adjusting for cost of living, a Physical Therapist in Memphis, TN earning $57,000has the equivalent purchasing power of $68,675 relative to the US median. Tennessee has no state income tax, which is a significant financial advantage.
What is the cost of living adjustment for Memphis, TN?
Memphis, TN's cost of living index is 83, based on composite data including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. This means that $57,000 in Memphis, TNhas the same purchasing power as $68,675 in a city at exactly the US average cost of living. Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between metros.
Compare Memphis, TN with Another City
See a detailed side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, and purchasing power.
5Should You Work as a Physical Therapist in Memphis, TN?
The headline median of $57,000 is only part of the picture. Memphis, TN's cost of living index is 83 (US average = 100), meaning a dollar here goes further than in most of the country. The $57,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $68,675 at national-average prices — a real premium for moving to a lower-cost market.
Housing is the single biggest driver of cost-of-living differences between metros. In Memphis, TN, housing costs fall closer to the national average of 25–30% of gross income, leaving more room in the budget for savings, transportation, and discretionary spending. For a $57,000 salary, that translates to roughly $15,960/year on housing alone.
State tax plays a meaningful but smaller role. Tennessee has no state income tax, which is typically worth 4–8% of gross salary versus a high-tax state. For this role, that's roughly $3,420 per year in additional take-home. After state tax and approximate federal FICA (~7.6%), the estimated take-home is $52,668. This excludes federal income tax, which varies by filing status and deductions.
For comparison, here are nearby alternatives: Nashville, TN ($71,000 median, COL 110); San Francisco, CA ($105,000 median, COL 186); New York, NY ($101,000 median, COL 187). If you're optimizing for purchasing power, compare the COL-adjusted column in the table above and pick the highest number. If you're optimizing for career progression, weight total employment and yearly growth in the role — larger markets offer more lateral moves and promotion velocity, even when nominal pay is lower.
The 3% year-over-year growth rate for Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN is a leading indicator of market health. Healthy growth at a steady pace — enough to support mobility but not so fast that compensation is racing ahead of credentials. For side-by-side comparisons, try the full city ranking for Physical Therapists or the Tennessee state overview.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program. All figures are approximate annual estimates based on the most recent available BLS data. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education, employer size, and specific role. Cost-of-living data represents composite indices from publicly available metropolitan area data.