Physical Therapist in Evansville, IN

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched the job market in Evansville for years, I can tell you that the numbers for Physical Therapists here are solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. Let’s get straight to the data.

First, the baseline: the median salary for a Physical Therapist in Evansville is $96,658/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.47/hour. Compared to the national average of $99,710/year, Evansville comes in slightly under—but the real story is the local purchasing power, which we’ll dive into later.

For context on the job market, the Evansville metro area (which includes surrounding counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois) has 226 jobs for Physical Therapists. The 10-year job growth projection is a robust 14%, outpacing many other professions and signaling steady demand, largely driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehab.

Here’s how salaries typically shake out by experience level in the local market. Note that these are estimates based on regional job postings, BLS data, and local employer surveys.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Evansville)	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Ascension St. Vincent, Deaconess Hospital, local outpatient clinics
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Major hospitals, home health agencies, school systems
Senior-Level (10-20 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Hospital leadership, clinical instructor roles, specialty clinics
Expert/Management (20+ years)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Department directors, private practice owners, corporate rehab

How does Evansville stack up against other cities in Indiana? It’s a mid-tier market, offering solid pay without the extreme competition of Indianapolis or the lower wages found in smaller rural towns.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Real Wage Advantage
Evansville	$96,658	89.8	High
Indianapolis	$99,120	92.5	Moderate
Fort Wayne	$92,450	85.1	High
South Bend	$91,875	87.2	Moderate
Bloomington	$90,500	94.3	Lower

Insider Tip: The salary bands are relatively compressed in Evansville. Negotiation can be tougher here than in larger metros, but the lower cost of living often means a $95K salary in Evansville feels more like $110K+ in a place like Chicago.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $96,658 in Evansville has significantly more buying power than the same earner in a high-cost coastal city. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking standard deduction, using IN state tax (3.23%) and federal tax brackets (2024). Health insurance and 401(k) contribution are estimated.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,055	($96,658 / 12)
Taxes (Fed + State)	-$2,150	Approx. 26.7% effective tax rate
Net Take-Home	$5,905	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$850	Average 1BR Rent: $850/month
Utilities	-$180	Electric, gas, water, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Evansville is car-dependent
Groceries	-$350
Health Insurance	-$300	Employer-subsidized estimate
Retirement Savings	-$600	7.5% of gross, common for PTs
Discretionary Spending	-$1,175	Dining out, entertainment, travel, savings
Remaining Buffer	$0	(All categories accounted for)

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in the Evansville metro around $180,000 - $220,000, and that $1,175 monthly discretionary buffer, a down payment is achievable within a few years of saving. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000. With consistent saving, you could reach that in 3-4 years. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,200 - $1,500, which is manageable on the net income.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index of 89.8 means you get about 10% more for your dollar than the national average. This is the single biggest advantage of practicing here.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

Evansville’s healthcare ecosystem is centralized, with a few major players offering the bulk of PT positions. The 226 jobs in the metro are primarily clustered around these employers.

1. Deaconess Health System: The largest employer in the region. They operate Deaconess Hospital, Deaconess Clinic, and extensive outpatient rehab centers. They have a high volume of orthopedic, neurological, and cardiopulmonary PT cases. Hiring is steady, especially for new grads through their residency program.
2. Ascension St. Vincent Evansville: A key competitor with a strong reputation, particularly in orthopedics and sports medicine. They offer inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, and home health services. They recently expanded their physical therapy and sports performance center.
3. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern Indiana: This is a dedicated inpatient rehab facility (IRF) located just off I-69. It’s a major employer for PTs specializing in stroke, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injury rehab. The caseload is intense but offers excellent experience.
4. Evansville School Corporation: The public school system hires PTs for special education programs (ages 3-21). Positions are salaried, have summers off, and are highly competitive. They work with children with a wide range of developmental and physical disabilities.
5. Various Home Health Agencies (e.g., LHC Group, Kindred at Home): The aging population fuels demand for home health PT. These roles offer more autonomy, travel within the city/county, and flexible scheduling. Pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative for efficient therapists.
6. Valley Professionals (Outpatient Clinics): A local, growing chain of outpatient orthopedic and sports performance clinics. They are known for a modern approach, using tech like blood flow restriction and are often more likely to hire for specialized niches.

Hiring Trends: There is a consistent need for PTs in orthopedics and geriatrics. Home health and school-based positions are also growing. New grads have good prospects, especially if they are willing to work in inpatient rehab or home health to start. Specialty certifications (like OCS for orthopedics or NCS for neuro) make you a standout candidate for the best positions.

Getting Licensed in IN

The Indiana Physical Therapy Licensing Board (under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency) governs licensure. It’s a straightforward process, but timing is key.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Complete the Indiana Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check.
5. Application: Submit the application form, fees, and supporting documents to the Indiana PLA.

Costs (Estimate):

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• Indiana Jurisprudence Exam: ~$50
• Licensure Application Fee: $100
• Background Check: ~$30
• Total Initial Cost: ~$665

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate (if already licensed in another state): Indiana is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). If you hold a license in another compact state, you can apply for a "compact privilege" to practice in Indiana without a full license transfer. This process can take 2-4 weeks.
• New Graduate/Out-of-State (Non-Compact): Allow 3-6 months from the time you apply for your license to receiving it. This includes waiting for the NPTE score report, background check results, and board processing.

Insider Tip: Start your Indiana application as soon as you have a job offer. The background check and JAM can be done concurrently with your NPTE prep. For compact privilege, ensure your home-state license is active and in good standing.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Evansville is a car-centric city, but your neighborhood choice affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Northside / Westside	Close to Deaconess Hospital (10-15 min drive). More residential, established neighborhoods. A mix of older homes and apartments.	$700 - $900	PTs working at Deaconess or Encompass Health. Value seekers.
Eastside / Newburgh	Near Ascension St. Vincent and I-69. Newer apartment complexes, suburban feel. Access to shopping and I-69 for easy commutes.	$850 - $1,100	Those wanting modern amenities, easy highway access. Families.
Downtown / Haynie’s Corner	Historic, walkable arts district with restaurants and cafes. Commute to hospitals is 10-20 minutes. More loft/apartment options.	$900 - $1,200	Younger professionals seeking culture and nightlife.
Southside / Outer Drive	Quiet, suburban, near the Evansville Regional Airport. More single-family homes. Commute to hospitals is 15-25 minutes.	$750 - $950	Those seeking quiet, space, and a traditional suburban feel.
University of Evansville Area	Near the university campus. Quiet, academic vibe. Good mix of rentals.	$700 - $850	Recent grads, those who enjoy a campus atmosphere.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Evansville is rarely a major issue. The worst congestion is on the Lloyd Expressway (US 66) and I-69 during rush hour. Living within 5 miles of your primary workplace generally guarantees a commute under 20 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Evansville offers a clear path for advancement, though it’s more about deepening clinical expertise than rapid corporate ladder-climbing.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Can add a $5,000 - $10,000 premium to your salary. High demand in outpatient clinics (Deaconess, Valley Professionals, private practices).
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Valuable for roles at Encompass Health and Deaconess Neurology. Can command a similar premium.
• Pediatric PT: School system jobs are stable, but salaries are fixed. Private pediatric practices or early intervention agencies offer a path to higher earnings.
• Management: The next step is often Clinical Supervisor or Clinic Director at a hospital or large outpatient center. This requires strong leadership skills and typically adds $10,000 - $20,000 to base salary.
• Private Practice: Opening your own clinic is a viable long-term goal due to the supportive business environment and lower overhead costs compared to major metros.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is a strong indicator of demand. Evansville’s aging population and growing suburban areas (like Newburgh and Henderson) will continue to drive need for PT services. Specialization in geriatrics, orthopedics, and chronic pain management will be particularly valuable. Telehealth offerings are also expanding, giving PTs more flexibility.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: $96,658 goes far here.	Limited Breadth: Smaller market means fewer employers and less niche specialization opportunities.
Stable Job Market: 14% growth and multiple major employers.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commutes: 15-25 minutes is typical.	Slower Pace: Less cultural diversity and "big city" energy compared to Indianapolis or Louisville.
Friendly Community: Easy to build a professional network.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cloudy winters.
Strong Demand for PTs: Especially in orthopedics and geriatrics.	Industry Focus: Heavily reliant on healthcare; other industries are smaller.

Final Recommendation:

Evansville is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists seeking financial stability, a low-stress lifestyle, and a strong sense of community. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• New Grads looking to gain solid experience without high competition.
• Mid-career PTs wanting to stretch their salary, buy a home, and raise a family.
• Specialists in orthopedics or neurology who can find focused roles in the major hospitals.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, ultra-competitive career track or a large, diverse metropolitan culture. If your priority is a high quality of life, manageable finances, and a growing job market, Evansville is a contender.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a new PT graduate in Evansville?
No, the market is receptive. New grads have the best prospects in inpatient rehab (Encompass Health), home health, and school systems. Building a strong clinical rotation network in Evansville during your DPT program is the key to a smooth transition.

2. How does the cost of living compare to nearby Louisville or Indianapolis?
Evansville is significantly more affordable. Rent is 20-30% lower than Louisville or Indianapolis, and home prices are even more favorable. While salaries are slightly lower, the net disposable income is often higher in Evansville.

3. What is the licensing compact and how does it affect me?
The PT Compact allows licensed PTs from member states (e.g., Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois) to practice in Indiana without a full license transfer. If you hold a compact license, you can apply for "compact privilege," which is faster and cheaper. Check the PT Compact website to see if your state is a member.

4. What are the typical work schedules?
It varies by setting. Hospital-based PTs often work 8-5, sometimes with weekend rotations. Outpatient clinics typically offer 10-hour shifts with 4-day workweeks. Home health and school PTs have more flexible, often daytime-only schedules.

5. Are there opportunities for continuing education locally?
Yes. Both Deaconess and St. Vincent host regular in-service trainings. The Indiana Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) has a southern chapter that offers courses. Evansville is also within a 2-hour drive of Louisville, Indianapolis, and Nashville, providing easy access to regional conferences and workshops.

(Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Evansville Regional Economic Development Partnership, local employer job postings, and Cost of Living Index data.)