Physical Therapist in Akron, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

Akron’s physical therapy market offers a solid, stable income, particularly when you factor in the city’s low cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Akron is $97,556/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.9/hour. This places Akron slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but the difference is negligible when you consider the local economics. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.8 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most major cities. The metro area supports 377 jobs for PTs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 14%, indicating steady demand.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential based on experience, here’s a typical breakdown. Note that these are estimates based on local market data and national trends from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	New graduates, DPTs starting in outpatient clinics or hospital rotations.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	The sweet spot for most PTs; includes specialists and those in hospital systems.
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Often involves management, specialty certifications, or senior clinician roles.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$120,000+	Clinic directors, residency directors, or those with niche certifications (e.g., OCS, SCS).

When you compare Akron to other Ohio cities, it holds its own. Columbus, with a larger metro area and higher cost of living, sees a median salary closer to $101,000, but rent and home prices are significantly steeper. Cleveland’s market is similar to Akron’s, with a median around $96,000, but with more competition due to its larger healthcare networks. Cincinnati’s PTs earn slightly more, near $99,000, but again, with a higher cost of living. The key advantage in Akron is the balance: a strong salary paired with affordable living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground this in reality. For an Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $97,556, here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for Akron. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions (federal, state, FICA, and local taxes, which can vary by municipality).

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,129.67
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (approx. 25%): -$2,032.42
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $6,097.25

Monthly Budget for a Single PT:

• Rent (1BR, Average): $816
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Akron is car-dependent): $450
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $813
• Discretionary Spending: $1,868.25
• Total: $6,097.25

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a net income of over $6,000/month and an average rent of $816, the savings potential is significant. The median home price in Akron is approximately $160,000. A 20% down payment is $32,000. With disciplined savings from the discretionary fund, a PT could realistically save for a down payment in 2-3 years. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) for a $160,000 home would likely be under $1,200/month, which is manageable on this salary. This is a key advantage of Akron: homeownership is a tangible goal for professionals here.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron’s healthcare ecosystem is robust, anchored by a major university and several large hospital systems. Hiring trends show a consistent need for PTs in orthopedic and neurologic specialties, as well as in outpatient sports medicine (given the local sports culture).

1. Summa Health System: The largest employer in the region, with multiple hospitals (including Summa Akron City Hospital) and a vast network of outpatient clinics. They have a strong PT residency program and are a primary destination for new graduates. Hiring is steady, particularly for inpatient rehab and outpatient ortho.

2. Cleveland Clinic Akron General: Located in the Portage Lakes area, this is a major academic medical center. It’s a hub for specialized care, including sports medicine (home of the Cleveland Guardians’ minor league affiliates). They offer competitive salaries and benefits, with a focus on evidence-based practice.

3. University of Akron (UA): The university’s College of Health and Human Services offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This creates jobs within the university itself (clinical instructors, lab assistants) and a pipeline of graduates who feed the local market. Research opportunities exist for PTs interested in academia.

4. Akron Children’s Hospital: A nationally recognized pediatric hospital. They have dedicated pediatric PT positions, which are highly specialized and in demand. This is a great fit for those with a passion for working with children and families.

5. Western Reserve Hospital (in Cuyahoga Falls, bordering Akron): A growing hospital system that emphasizes outpatient services and community health. They often have openings for PTs in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine, with a slightly less bureaucratic environment than larger systems.

6. Select Medical (NovaCare Rehabilitation): A major national outpatient provider with numerous clinics in the Akron area. They offer structured career paths, continuing education, and often have signs on bonuses, especially for therapists willing to work in underserved neighborhoods.

7. Akron Area Companies with On-Site Clinics: Large employers like Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (headquartered here) and FirstEnergy often have on-site health services that may include physical therapy for employees, though these positions are less common.

Insider Tip: The job market is competitive but not cutthroat. Networking is key. Attend events hosted by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA), specifically the Northeast Ohio district meetings. Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth before ever being posted online.

Getting Licensed in OH

To practice in Ohio, you must be licensed by the Ohio Physical Therapy Board. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

• Requirements:
  1. Graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program.
  2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  3. Pass the Ohio Jurisprudence Exam (a closed-book, 50-question test on state laws and rules).
  4. Submit a complete application to the Ohio PT Board, including official transcripts and a background check.
• Costs:
  • NPTE Fee: $485
  • Ohio Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
  • Initial License Application Fee: $135
  • Background Check Fee: ~$50
  • Total Estimated Cost: ~$720
• Timeline: The NPTE is offered year-round. After passing, the Ohio application processing typically takes 4-6 weeks if all documents are in order. From start to finish, a new graduate can expect to be licensed and job-ready within 3-4 months post-graduation.

Pro-Tip: Start studying for the Jurisprudence Exam early. The Ohio PT Board website has excellent study materials. It’s not just about knowing the law; it’s about understanding the specific scope of practice and documentation requirements in the state.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Akron is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute profile. As a car-centric city, your commute will generally be under 20 minutes to most major employers.

1. Downtown Akron / University of Akron Area:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, young professional. You’ll be near UA, Summa’s downtown campus, and a growing restaurant/bar scene.
   • Commute: Excellent if you work at UA, Summa, or a downtown clinic. Otherwise, a 10-15 minute drive.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100

2. Cuyahoga Falls (North Akron Border):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, suburban, with a charming "downtown" (Front Street) and access to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
   • Commute: About 15-20 minutes to Akron’s medical centers. Very easy access to Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Western Reserve Hospital.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200

3. Fairlawn / Montrose (West Akron):

   • Vibe: Upscale suburban, great shopping (Summit Mall), and highly-rated schools. Safe and quiet.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most major hospitals. Home to many outpatient private practices and Select Medical clinics.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,150

4. West Akron (Wallhaven / Weymouth):

   • Vibe: A mix of older, established homes and apartments. Close to the University of Akron and I-77 for easy commutes.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most jobs. Central location.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000

5. Bath / Fairlawn (West of Akron):

   • Vibe: More rural, spacious, with larger lots. It's where you might buy a home for more space. It's a 20-25 minute commute but offers a quieter lifestyle.
   • Commute: 20+ minutes to Akron, but you have direct access to I-77 and I-277.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): Not as common, but 1BRs in nearby complexes run $900-$1,100.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Akron is generally light, but the rush hour around I-77 and I-76 can slow things down. Living near your primary job is a luxury worth considering. For example, if you land a job at Akron Children’s, look at neighborhoods in West Akron or Fairlawn for a quicker, less stressful commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron provides a solid foundation for long-term career advancement. The 14% job growth over 10 years is a strong indicator of future opportunity.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining board certifications can significantly boost your salary and marketability. In Akron, these are highly valued by major employers.

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Adds a $5,000 - $10,000 premium. Critical for outpatient and sports medicine roles.
  • Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): In high demand for inpatient rehabilitation and neuro clinics. Premium similar to OCS.
  • Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Especially valuable with the presence of the Cleveland Guardians’ affiliates and local college sports. Premium can be $7,000 - $12,000.
  • Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS): Essential for roles at Akron Children’s, with a premium of $5,000 - $8,000.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Track: Move from staff PT to Senior PT to Clinical Director within a hospital or outpatient network. This path often involves mentoring and program development.
  2. Specialist Track: Become the go-to expert in a niche (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab, lymphedema) and build a reputation through speaking and writing.
  3. Academia/Research: With the University of Akron, there are paths into teaching, clinical instruction, or rehabilitation research.
  4. Entrepreneurship: Akron has a growing startup scene, and some PTs have launched niche private practices, particularly in cash-based services like performance training or specialized manual therapy.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to an aging population and the city's focus on healthcare as an economic driver. The rise of value-based care will favor PTs who can demonstrate cost-effective outcomes. Specialists will have the most leverage. The key is to continually build your skill set and network within the local healthcare community.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Akron presents a compelling case for physical therapists who value stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community over the hustle of a mega-city.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: Major hospital systems provide consistent employment.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer high-end dining, cultural, and entertainment options compared to Cleveland or Columbus.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you can live where you want.	Weather: Winters can be gray and snowy (the "snow belt" effect).
Strong Sense of Community: Neighborhoods are tight-knit, and the healthcare network is collaborative.	Less Competitive Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries may be lower than in larger coastal cities (though cost of living negates this).
Homeownership is Attainable: A major financial advantage for long-term wealth building.	Smaller Network: Fewer PTs overall compared to larger metros, which can limit networking options.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who are early to mid-career and looking to build a stable, financially secure life. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to buy a home, avoid debt, and work in a supportive, professional environment. If you crave a fast-paced, high-energy city with endless options, you may find Akron limiting. But if you want a career where you can thrive professionally and comfortably, Akron is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate in Akron?
A: Yes, the market is welcoming to new grads, especially those who completed clinical rotations in the area. Summa Health and Akron Children’s have formal residency programs, which are competitive but a great entry point. Private practices and Select Medical clinics are also consistently hiring.

Q: How do Akron PTs feel about their work-life balance?
A: Generally positive. The manageable commutes and lower stress of living in a mid-sized city contribute to better balance. Most hospital systems offer predictable schedules, and outpatient clinics often have standard business hours. The culture is less "always-on" than in larger metropolitan areas.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing PTs in Akron?
A: The biggest challenge is often navigating the different corporate cultures between large hospital systems (more bureaucratic) and smaller outpatient clinics (more autonomous but with fewer resources). Finding the right fit is key. Also, staying current with continuing education requires some travel, as Akron isn't a hub for major national PT conferences.

Q: Are there opportunities for PTs to work in non-traditional settings?
A: Yes, and this is a growing area. Opportunities exist in home health (with companies like Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio), school systems (Akron Public Schools), corporate wellness (for local companies like Goodyear), and fitness centers (Enhance Fitness programs at local YMCAs).

Q: How does the licensing process work if I'm already licensed in another state?
A: Ohio is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PTLC). If you hold a license in another compact state, you can apply for a compact privilege to practice in Ohio without going through the full licensure process. For non-compact states, you'll need to apply for endorsement, which requires submitting your current license and possibly passing the NPTE if you haven't already. The Ohio PT Board website has a clear guide for this process.