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Entry Level Physical Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist

Pinehurst, NC ยท On-site

$80K/hr

PHYSICAL THERAPIST - OUTPATIENT ORTHOPEDICS $10,000 sign-on bonus | One-on-one outpatient ... entry-level practice, and interventions chosen because they change outcomes. We're not a hospital ...

New

Physical Therapist

Pinehurst, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

PHYSICAL THERAPIST - OUTPATIENT ORTHOPEDICS $10,000 sign-on bonus | One-on-one outpatient ... entry-level practice, and interventions chosen because they change outcomes. We're not a hospital ...

New

Physical Therapist

Hesperia, CA ยท On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Physical Therapist Hesperia, California Full Time Under the supervision of the Director of ... New Grad or entry level experience within an ambulatory care facility or medical group practice.

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Entry Level Physical Therapist information

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How much do entry level physical therapist jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level physical therapist in the United States is $1,859.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,596.15 and $2,067.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level physical therapist do?

An entry level physical therapist helps patients recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve mobility through personalized exercise and treatment plans. They assess patient conditions, develop rehabilitation programs, and provide hands-on therapy under the supervision of experienced physical therapists. Entry level physical therapists also educate patients on injury prevention and healthy movement habits. They usually work in clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers and are often recent graduates beginning their careers in physical therapy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level physical therapist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Physical Therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, state licensure, and a solid understanding of human anatomy and rehabilitation techniques. Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs), gait analysis tools, and therapeutic exercise equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and strong interpersonal skills help build rapport with patients and work effectively within healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for delivering effective patient care, promoting recovery, and ensuring positive rehabilitation outcomes.

What are some common challenges entry level physical therapists face when transitioning from school to clinical practice?

Entry level physical therapists often find the transition from academic training to clinical practice both exciting and challenging. One common challenge is managing a diverse caseload, where balancing documentation, patient care, and time management can feel overwhelming at first. Additionally, adapting to real-world protocols, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and developing confidence in patient interactions are areas that may require extra support and mentorship. Most clinics provide orientation and ongoing guidance to help new therapists navigate these adjustments and grow professionally.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physical Therapist vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Physical TherapistPhysical Therapist Assistant
CredentialsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy Assisting
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, rehab facilitiesRehab centers, nursing homes, outpatient clinics
RoleDevelops treatment plans, assesses patient progress, makes clinical decisionsAssists in implementing treatment plans, monitors patient responses under supervision

Entry Level Physical Therapists hold a DPT and are responsible for creating and managing patient treatment plans, while Physical Therapist Assistants support these plans under supervision. Both roles work in similar healthcare settings, but the Physical Therapist Assistant typically has less autonomy and a different credentialing pathway.

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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Physical Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Physical Therapist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Therapist jobs?

The most popular types of Physical Therapist jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Physical Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Physical Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,695 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant

St Michael Medical Center

Silverdale, WA โ€ข On-site

$30.50 - $50.67/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Physical Therapist, you will help patients rebuild or maintain their physical wellbeing so they can function at their best level, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Every day you will perform initial evaluations, develop and update individualized plans of care, and provide a variety of direct treatments. You will be expected to consistently meet patient care productivity standards, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and families, and promote a positive customer service environment.
To be successful in this role, you must possess strong age-appropriate competency skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care.
  • Assists in the update of therapeutic plans of care and treatment based on patient needs throughout patient's treatment/stay under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Reviews medical record/documentation prior to treating patient to familiarize self with patient's history and obtain necessary information.
  • Regularly assesses clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment, progress of patient towards goals, the need for modifying goals and treatment. Assists Physical Therapist in initiating discharge from physical therapy when the patient has received maximum benefit.
  • Assists in the implementation of therapeutic plans of care and treatment based on patient needs throughout patient's treatment/stay under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Implements treatment and conducts treatment program which may include but is not limited to: transfer and mobility training, strengthening, range of motion, use of therapeutic modalities, home evaluation, family training, equipment recommendations and ordering.
  • Performs treatment according to established protocols or accepted clinical standards of practice using a variety of modalities and implements new and innovative treatment approaches. Adheres to most recent treatment plan and documented frequency per evaluation/certification or reassessment/recertification. Identifies and implements strategies to meet the educational needs of the patient/family/significant others as it relates to physical therapy.
  • Assists in the completion of all required documentation, in an accurate and thorough manner, of Physical Therapy treatment in accordance with FHS documentation standard under the supervision a licensed Physical Therapist. Utilizes documentation that meets the accepted clinical, hospital and departmental standards and chart review criteria. Completes documentation responsibilities in a timely manner according to hospital and departmental criteria. Participates in chart review process and adjusts practices according to feedback as provided.
  • Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department's defined specific populations served.

Job Requirements
Required
  • Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy Program providing entry level physical therapist assistant knowledge in rehabilitation, orthopedic, and medical/surgical that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities., upon hire
  • Physical Therapy Assistant: WA, upon hire and
  • Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire