Physical Therapist in Decatur, AL

The Salary Picture: Where Decatur Stands

As a local career analyst, I can tell you that Decatur offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for Physical Therapists. The median salary here sits at $96,748/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.51/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but it’s crucial to view this number through the lens of Decatur's lower cost of living. The trade-off is often favorable. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings, the metro area supports around 115 Physical Therapist jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 14%, which is strong for a mid-sized city.

Here’s a look at how your experience level impacts your earning potential in the Decatur metro:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Decatur, AL)	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Hometown clinics, outpatient facilities, PRN hospital work
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Decatur General, Children's of Alabama satellite clinics, established private practices
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000+	Leadership roles, specialized clinics, hospital management
Expert/Specialist	$115,000 - $135,000+	Vestibular rehab, pelvic health, oncology PT at major regional centers

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Decatur employers, especially the hospitals and larger outpatient networks, offer robust benefits packages (health, retirement, loan repayment assistance) that can add 20-25% to your total compensation. Always calculate the full package.

Comparison to Other AL Cities:

• Birmingham: Median salary is higher (~$102,000), but the cost of living is also significantly higher (index ~98).
• Huntsville: Very competitive, often matching or exceeding Birmingham's pay due to the tech sector's demand for healthcare. Cost of living is steep.
• Mobile: Salaries are comparable to Decatur (~$95,000), but the coastal location offers a different lifestyle and higher flood insurance costs.
• Montgomery: Salaries are generally lower (~$93,000) with a slightly lower cost of living.

Decatur hits a sweet spot: decent pay for a manageable cost of living, especially if you're coming from a high-cost coastal city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. Based on $96,748/year, your monthly take-home pay after estimated taxes (federal, state, FICA) is roughly $5,600 - $5,900. This can vary based on your filing status and deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Physical Therapist Earning $96,748:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,750	(Est. after taxes, insurance)
Housing (1BR Rent)	$763	Average for Decatur (Zillow, 2024)
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, internet (varies by season)
Groceries	$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	(Very car-dependent city)
Student Loans (Avg.)	$350	Varies widely; PSLF is an option
Healthcare (Copays)	$150	After employer insurance
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Decatur has affordable local options
Savings/Retirement	$1,500	15-20% of pre-tax income is ideal
Miscellaneous	$250	Clothing, household goods, etc.
TOTAL	$4,363	Leaves a $1,387 buffer

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Decatur around $220,000 (per Redfin, 2024), a 20% down payment is $44,000. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $176,000 loan could be ~$1,100 - $1,300/month, which is often comparable to rent. Many PTs I've spoken with buy homes within 2-3 years of moving here. The key is managing student debt early.

Insider Tip: Look into Alabama's "First-Time Homebuyer" programs. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority offers down payment assistance that can be a game-changer for young professionals.

The Where the Jobs Are: Decatur's Major Employers

Decatur's healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players. The job market is active, but competitive for the best positions at the top employers.

1. Decatur General Hospital (LifePoint Health): The largest employer in the city. They have a full spectrum of PT services—Inpatient Rehab, Outpatient Ortho, and Home Health. Hiring is steady, especially for experienced clinicians. They often participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment program.
2. Huntsville Hospital System – Decatur Campus: Part of the massive regional system. This facility focuses on acute care and is expanding its outpatient services. Good for networking across the North Alabama region.
3. Children's of Alabama – Decatur Clinic: A satellite of the state's premier pediatric hospital. They specialize in pediatric PT for developmental delays, neurological conditions, and sports injuries. Highly competitive; a pediatric specialization is a must.
4. Physiotherapy Associates of Decatur: A well-established private practice with multiple locations. Strong reputation for orthopedic and sports rehab. They tend to hire from local PT schools (like UAB) first.
5. North Alabama Medical Center (in nearby Florence, a 30-minute drive): A major regional hospital with a Level II Trauma center. Worth the commute for the variety of cases and higher pay scale.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Amedisys, LHC Group): There are several mid-to-large-sized agencies servicing Decatur and Morgan County. This is a growing sector, offering flexibility and higher per-visit pay, but less job security.
7. School Systems (Morgan County Schools, Decatur City Schools): PTs are hired to work in special education programs. This is a stable, 10-month/year job with great benefits but requires a state educator's certificate in addition to your PT license.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for PTs with 3+ years of experience and those with specialty certifications (Ortho, Vestibular, Lymphedema). New grads can find work, but may need to start in less desirable settings (e.g., home health, SNFs) or accept PRN roles to get a foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in AL

The Alabama Board of Physical Therapy (ALBPT) governs licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Alabama Jurisprudence Exam (a test on state laws and rules).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• Alabama Jurisprudence Exam: ~$50
• License Application Fee: ~$150
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: ~$735

Timeline: From the day you submit your complete application to the ALBPT, expect 6-8 weeks for processing, assuming you've already passed the NPTE. If you're moving from another state and hold a compact license (the PT Compact is active in AL), the process is much faster—often within 2-3 weeks.

Insider Tip: If you're an out-of-state applicant, start the credential verification process with the FSBPT and ALBPT before you move. You can apply for a temporary permit to start working while your full license is processed, which is common if you have a job offer in hand.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Decatur is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel and commute time to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Old Decatur / Historic District	Walkable, charming, near downtown. 5-10 min drive to Decatur General.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals, those who want a walkable vibe.
West Decatur / Point Mallard	Family-oriented, close to parks and schools. 10-15 min to most employers.	$750 - $950	PTs with families or those seeking a quiet, suburban feel.
Crestview / East Decatur	Affordable, established neighborhoods. 10-15 min commute.	$650 - $850	New grads, those looking for the most budget-friendly option.
Priceville	Just north of I-65, suburban, growing. 15-20 min to Decatur, 25 to Huntsville.	$800 - $1,000	Those who want newer construction and don't mind a short highway commute.
Morgan City / Lacey Spring	Rural, spacious, lower cost. 20-25 min to Decatur.	$600 - $750	PTs who want land, privacy, and a lower housing cost.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-65 is the main commute bottleneck. Living near the 6th Avenue or Beltline Road exits can cut your commute significantly. Always test your drive from a potential apartment to your workplace during rush hour before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook in Decatur is positive. The 14% job growth is driven by an aging population and increased demand for outpatient orthopedic and post-surgical rehab.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS): Can add a $5,000 - $10,000 premium to your salary.
• Board-Certified Vestibular Specialist: High demand, especially with the growing senior population. Can command a $7,000 - $15,000 premium.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A rapidly growing niche with very little local competition. Can increase earning potential by $10,000+.
• Pediatric PT (PCS): Required for the Children's of Alabama clinic. Sets you apart for school-based and outpatient pediatric roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, Clinical Instructor, or Clinic Director within a hospital system.
2. Home Health Management: Move from field clinician to Area Manager or Director of Operations.
3. Private Practice: Start your own small practice or join one as a partner after 5-7 years of experience.
4. Academia: Teach at a local community college (like Calhoun Community College) or serve as a clinical instructor for UAB's DPT program.

Insider Tip: The PT market in Huntsville (30 min north) is larger and more specialized. Many Decatur PTs live here for the affordability but maintain PRN or part-time work in Huntsville for higher pay and access to more advanced technology.

The Verdict: Is Decatur Right for You?

Decatur is a pragmatic choice. It's not a glamorous city, but it offers a high quality of life for healthcare professionals who value financial stability and a slower pace.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with major employers.	Limited cultural/nightlife scene compared to Birmingham or Huntsville.
Very affordable cost of living (90.1 index).	Car-centric design; limited public transit.
Short, easy commutes (avg. 15-20 mins).	Smaller, less diverse patient population than a major metro.
Proximity to Huntsville & Birmingham for weekend trips.	Specialization opportunities are fewer; may need to commute.
Friendly, community-focused atmosphere.	Summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation:
Decatur is an excellent choice for:

• New grads looking to live comfortably on an entry-level salary and pay down student loans faster.
• Mid-career PTs seeking a better work-life balance without sacrificing career opportunities.
• Families who want a safe, affordable community with good schools.

It might not be the best fit for:

• Specialists in highly niche fields requiring a large tertiary care center (e.g., complex oncology, advanced neuro).
• Those seeking a vibrant, walkable, urban environment with abundant nightlife.

Bottom Line: If you value financial well-being, a manageable lifestyle, and solid career prospects over big-city amenities, Decatur is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to get a job as a new graduate in Decatur?
Yes, but you'll need to be flexible. The most direct path is through clinical rotations at Decatur General or the outpatient clinics. Apply broadly—home health, school systems, and SNFs are often more willing to hire new grads. Consider a PRN position to get your foot in the door.

2. Do I need to know someone to get hired?
Not necessarily, but networking helps. The Alabama Physical Therapy Association (APTA) chapter is active. Attend meetings in Huntsville or Birmingham. Many Decatur PTs are alumni of UAB or Auburn, so connections from school can be valuable.

3. How's the work-life balance in Decatur?
Generally excellent. Most outpatient clinics operate on a standard 8-5 schedule. Hospital jobs may require some weekend on-call, but it's not the constant grind of a major metro. The short commutes (usually under 20 minutes) give you back your personal time.

4. What's the best way to find housing?
Use Zillow and Facebook Marketplace for rentals. For home buying, connect with a local Realtor who knows the Decatur market well (ask for referrals from colleagues). The neighborhoods in Crestview and West Decatur offer the best value for first-time buyers.

5. Are there opportunities for continuing education?
Absolutely. Decatur's proximity to Huntsville (home to UAH) and Birmingham (UAB) means you're within a 1-2 hour drive of major conferences and courses. Many employers offer an annual stipend for CE (around $1,000 - $2,000). The local PT community often hosts smaller, informal workshops.