HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Physical Therapist Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$189,167/yr
Typical range: $177,284 – $208,912
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Physical Therapist salary by experience level in Washington DC
Physical Therapist Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $103,451 | $8,621 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,097 | $10,591 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $140,890 | $11,741 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $156,063 | $13,005 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $189,167 | $15,764 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $217,542 | $18,129 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $224,636 | $18,720 | +117% |
Current Salary
$189,167
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $91/hr
Next Level Target
$217,542
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+17% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Physical Therapist salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Physical Therapists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $189K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Physical Therapist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $189K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $91/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Physical Therapist in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Physical Therapist in Washington DC, DC earns $177K–$209K/yr.