2027 Worst States for Physical Therapy Degree Graduates: Lower Pay, Weaker Demand, and Career Barriers

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Which States Are the Worst for Physical Therapy Degree Graduates?

Certain states across the U.S. create challenging environments for physical therapy degree graduates due to lower salaries, limited job demand, and fewer career opportunities. For instance, wage differences are notable, with some states like Mississippi offering average annual salaries around $70,000, while others exceed $100,000. These disparities influence where graduates may find viable employment and career growth.

Below are some states where physical therapy graduates often encounter significant challenges:

  • Mississippi: This state features comparatively low pay and fewer physical therapy job openings, making it difficult for new graduates to secure employment. Lower healthcare spending further limits demand and career advancement.
  • West Virginia: Known for a limited physical therapy industry presence, West Virginia also experiences slow employment growth. These conditions reduce available positions and competitive opportunities for graduates.
  • Arkansas: Reduced healthcare funding and spending in Arkansas negatively impact demand for physical therapists. This results in fewer job opportunities and slower career progression for degree holders.
  • Louisiana: Louisiana exhibits a slower expansion of the physical therapy job market, which can prolong job searches and increase competition among new professionals entering the field.
  • Alabama: Alabama presents scarce career opportunities in many areas, especially rural regions. The combination of economic and healthcare infrastructure challenges creates additional barriers for physical therapy graduates.

Prospective students and workers may also want to consider related fields with more favorable conditions or affordability, such as exploring the cost of medical coding and billing certification as a potential alternative or supplement to their career plans.

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Why Do Some States Offer Lower Salaries for Physical Therapy Graduates?

Salary levels for physical therapy graduates vary significantly across states due to broad economic and structural factors. Regional industry composition plays a key role, as states with diverse and robust economies often provide higher compensation because of increased funding for healthcare services. Employer concentration also influences wages; areas dominated by few large healthcare providers typically experience limited competition for physical therapists, which can lead to suppressed salaries. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports wage differences exceeding 30% between the highest- and lowest-paying states, underscoring these disparities in the physical therapy job market challenges in some states.

Beyond industry makeup and employer presence, the overall economic scale of a state greatly impacts salary outcomes. Larger economies tend to support better-paying positions through higher tax bases, more developed healthcare infrastructure, and greater patient volumes, enabling employers to allocate more resources toward payroll. Additional elements such as state healthcare policies, insurer reimbursement rates, and facility operating costs further shape these compensation patterns. Students exploring options should consider these systemic factors as they assess lower salaries for physical therapy graduates in various regions and may also research pathways such as cheapest accelerated nursing programs as alternative healthcare career choices.

Which States Have the Weakest Job Demand for Physical Therapy Careers?

Job demand for physical therapy graduates differs widely among U.S. states, largely shaped by regional economic conditions and the concentration of healthcare services. Some areas report employment rates for physical therapists as much as 25% lower than the national average, highlighting significant disparities across the country. These differences can impact career opportunities for new graduates seeking to enter the field.

Below are examples of states where demand for physical therapy careers tends to be weaker due to various factors affecting the local healthcare market:

  • Alaska: Sparse population and fewer healthcare centers contribute to a limited number of physical therapy positions. Geographic challenges and smaller urban hubs reduce accessibility to jobs.
  • West Virginia: A smaller employer base and constrained healthcare infrastructure mean fewer openings for physical therapists. Economic challenges also affect healthcare investment in the region.
  • Montana: Limited industry presence with fewer hospitals and clinics lowers demand. The rural nature of the state restricts the concentration of available roles.
  • Wyoming: The low population density and less diversified economy result in decreased opportunities within physical therapy. Job availability is often confined to a handful of small healthcare providers.
  • North Dakota: Reduced healthcare spending and fewer outpatient facilities dampen employment prospects. Smaller urban areas translate to limited career growth options.

When I spoke with a physical therapy graduate about these challenges, he shared that his job search after completing the degree was frustrating due to the scarcity of openings in less populated states. "It wasn't just about finding any job-it was about finding one that matched my skills and offered growth," he explained. He described the process as requiring persistence and flexibility, often needing to consider relocation or accepting positions far from urban centers. The limited roles pushed him to reevaluate his career path several times before securing a position that felt right.

What Graduates Say About the Worst States for Physical Therapy Degree Graduates

  • Otis: "Graduating with a physical therapy degree was a milestone, but I quickly realized that staying in a state with limited demand made job hunting a daunting challenge. The lack of opportunities pushed me to consider relocating, and now I'm thriving in a market where my skills are truly needed. This experience taught me the value of flexibility and persistence in building a rewarding career."
  • Ronan: "Reflecting on my early career, I faced significant hurdles in a state where physical therapy positions were scarce and competition was fierce. Instead of waiting it out, I explored remote roles and eventually transitioned to an area with stronger job growth. Having a physical therapy degree gave me a solid foundation, but adapting to market realities was crucial for success."
  • Brooks: "From a professional standpoint, earning my physical therapy degree opened many doors, but the geography made a big difference. Navigating a state with weak demand meant fewer patients and slower career progression, which was frustrating. Moving to a more favorable region was the best decision I made, and it underscored how important location is when pursuing a career in physical therapy."

Other Things You Should Know About Physical Therapy Degrees

How does licensing reciprocity affect physical therapy graduates moving to states with lower pay?

Licensing reciprocity varies significantly between states, and many states with lower pay also have more stringent or less flexible licensing requirements. This can pose an additional challenge for physical therapy graduates seeking to move, as they may need to complete extra exams or coursework. Understanding state licensing boards beforehand can help graduates plan their careers more effectively.

Are there differences in continuing education requirements in states with weaker demand?

Yes, states with weaker demand for physical therapy professionals sometimes have stricter continuing education mandates, requiring more frequent or comprehensive training. This can increase the time and financial burden on graduates, particularly when local job demand and wages provide less support. It is important for graduates to consider these requirements as part of their ongoing professional development.

How do state healthcare policies influence career barriers for physical therapy graduates in 2027?

In 2027, state healthcare policies can limit practice environments by imposing restrictive rules on physical therapy practices, affecting reimbursement rates, and restricting the scope of practice. These factors contribute to career barriers by creating disparities in job availability and salary potential for graduates.

How does the availability of specialized physical therapy programs affect graduates' opportunities in challenging states?

Limited access to specialized training programs in states with fewer resources can hinder graduates from developing niche skills that improve employability and salary. This lack of specialization reduces career advancement possibilities and makes it harder to compete in the job market. Graduates may need to seek education or certification outside their home state to expand opportunities.