Physical Therapist in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) looking at Everett, the numbers are strong, but context is everything. The median salary for PTs here sits at $103,598/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $49.81/hour. That’s notably higher than the national average of $99,710/year, putting Everett in a favorable position for compensation within the healthcare field. The metro area supports about 222 jobs for PTs, indicating a stable, albeit not booming, market. The 10-year job growth projection for PTs nationally is 14%, which is faster than average, and that trend holds steady in the Puget Sound region, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehab.

Let’s break down what you can expect to earn based on experience in this specific market. Remember, these are median estimates; your actual pay will vary by setting (hospital vs. outpatient clinic), specialty, and shift differentials.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Everett)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	Typically in acute care or skilled nursing. Expect more weekend/holiday shifts.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$100,000 - $115,000	Outpatient orthopedics, sports med, or hospital-based rehab. Often includes productivity bonuses.
Senior/Expert (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $130,000+	Specialist roles (e.g., pelvic health, neuro), lead PT, or clinical supervisor. Strong earning potential.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle: Higher cost-of-living adjustment. Salaries are often 5-10% higher, but rent can be 30-40% more than Everett's.
• Tacoma: Salaries are very comparable to Everett, often within $2,000-$5,000 of the median. Tacoma offers a slightly lower cost of living.
• Spokane: Salaries trend lower than Everett, often by 8-12%, but the cost of living is significantly less, especially for housing.
• Bellingham: Similar salary range to Everett, but with a slightly more competitive market due to the university and tourism. Rents are high for a smaller city.

Insider Tip: The highest-paying jobs in Everett are often found in acute care settings like Providence Regional Medical Center or with large, multi-site outpatient orthopedic groups that handle high-volume workers' comp cases. Salaries in home health can be variable but often include mileage reimbursement, which can offset commuting costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a PT earning the median salary of $103,598/year. This is crucial for understanding if Everett’s cost of living is manageable.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: ~$8,633
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, WA State, FICA): ~$2,200 - $2,500 (depending on filing status, deductions)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,100 - $6,400

Everett’s Cost of Living Reality:
The Cost of Living Index here is 113.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything is about 13% more expensive than the national average. The primary driver is housing. The average 1BR rent is $1,864/month. Adding utilities ($150), groceries ($400), car insurance (high in WA, ~$150), and other basics, a realistic monthly budget looks like this:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,864	Can be lower ($1,600) in older parts of N. Everett or higher ($2,200) in newer complexes near Silver Lake.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season. Older buildings may have higher heating costs.
Groceries	$400	For one person. The Everett Farmers Market on Saturdays is a great source for local produce.
Car Insurance	$150	WA has some of the highest rates in the country.
Gas/Commuting	$150	Depends on commute; Everett is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored, but this is a common contribution.
Misc. (Phone, Internet, etc.)	$200
Total Basic Expenses	$3,214

Monthly Discretionary Income: ~$2,886 - $3,186
This is your money for savings, student loans (PTs often carry significant debt), retirement, entertainment, and travel. It’s a workable budget, but tight if you have high student loan payments or family expenses.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Everett is approximately $625,000. For a 20% down payment, you’d need $125,000. On a $103,598 salary, with good credit, you’d likely qualify for a mortgage, but the monthly payment (including taxes, insurance, and HOA fees) would be around $3,500-$4,000, which is a significant jump from renting. It’s doable for a dual-income household or after several years of saving and career advancement, but challenging for a single PT at the median salary.

Insider Tip: Many local tech and healthcare workers live in neighboring Mill Creek or Bothell (slightly higher prices) or in South Everett near the I-5 corridor for easier access to Seattle. If you’re open to a 20-30 minute commute, you can find more affordable homeownership options in cities like Monroe or Lake Stevens.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few major players, with a mix of hospital-based, outpatient, and skilled nursing facilities. The job market is stable, with turnover being the main driver for openings.

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Colby & Pacific Campuses): The largest employer in the region. They have a robust Acute Care, Inpatient Rehab, and Outpatient Ortho department. Hiring is steady, but jobs are competitive. They often post on their own career site first. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their outpatient services, especially in sports medicine and pelvic health.

2. Swedish Medical Center (Edmonds Campus, 15 min north): While not in Everett proper, it’s a major regional player just up I-5. Their orthopedics and neurology rehab programs are top-tier. Many Everett residents work here. Hiring Trend: Looking for PTs with specialty certifications (OCS, NCS).

3. Northwest Hospital & Medical Center (North Seattle, 25 min south): Another major option for acute care and inpatient rehab. The commute is manageable but against traffic. Hiring Trend: Focus on building their outpatient neuro and vestibular rehab programs.

4. Cascade Medical Group (Outpatient): A large, multi-site orthopedic group with locations in Everett, Mill Creek, and Marysville. They treat a high volume of orthopedic and sports injuries. Known for productivity-based bonuses. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth; they often hire new grads and experienced clinicians.

5. The Everett Clinic (now part of Optum): A large, multi-specialty medical group with a significant PT department. They offer integrated care with physicians. Hiring Trend: Focus on value-based care models, which may affect caseloads and reimbursement.

6. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) & Home Health: Companies like Kindred Healthcare, Amedisys, and Visiting Nurse Association of Puget Sound have a presence in Everett. These roles offer more flexibility but can be demanding. Hiring Trend: High demand for home health PTs, especially for geriatric and post-acute care. Mileage reimbursement is a key benefit.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often filled through referrals. Attend local APTA Washington chapter events. The Snohomish County Physical Therapy Association is a smaller, more connected group where you can meet hiring managers.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State licensure is managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). It’s a straightforward but document-heavy process.

• Requirements:

  1. Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
  2. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
  3. Pass the Washington State Jurisprudence Examination (online, open-book).
  4. Submit a complete application with transcripts, score reports, and a background check.
  5. For any felony/misdemeanor history, additional documentation is required.

• Costs:

  • NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485 (paid to FSBPT).
  • WA License Application Fee: ~$290 (paid to DOH).
  • Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50.
  • Background Check Fee: ~$50.
  • Total Estimated Cost: ~$875 (not including study materials).

• Timeline to Get Started:

  1. While in School: Start studying for the NPTE early. Take the NPTE as soon as you’re eligible (usually in your final clinical rotation).
  2. After Graduation: Apply for your WA license immediately. The process can take 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted. You can work under a temporary permit (good for 90 days) while waiting for full licensure.
  3. Job Hunting: Start applying for jobs 1-2 months before graduation. Many employers will hire you contingent on passing the NPTE and obtaining your license.

Insider Tip: Washington is a compact state (through the PT Compact). If you already have a license in another compact state, the process is much faster and cheaper. Check the PT Compact website to see if your state qualifies.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Everett will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Pro Tip
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, near the waterfront and Providence Colby Campus. Walkable to restaurants, the farmers market, and the ferry.	$1,650 - $2,000	Look for older, charming apartments. Parking can be a challenge. Ideal for those who don't want a long commute.
Silver Lake	Suburban, family-friendly, newer developments. Close to the Pacific Campus of Providence and major shopping.	$1,900 - $2,400	The area is growing fast. Traffic on 19th Ave SW can be heavy during rush hour.
North Everett (along Rucker Ave)	A mix of older homes and apartments. Affordable, but can be grittier. Easy access to I-5.	$1,400 - $1,700	Great for saving money. You'll be close to some of the best local eateries and the historic district.
Mill Creek (Adjacent)	Master-planned community, very family-oriented, with a central "town center." 15-20 min commute to Everett.	$1,900 - $2,500+	Rents are higher here, but the quality of life (parks, schools, safety) is a major draw for many healthcare professionals.
South Everett (Airport Way)	More industrial, but with newer apartment complexes. Very close to I-5 and the light rail station.	$1,600 - $1,900	The best option for those who need to commute to Seattle regularly. The light rail (Link) from Sound Transit is a game-changer.

Insider Tip: If you work at Providence Colby, Downtown is unbeatable for a short walk or bike ride. If you work at Providence Pacific, Silver Lake or Mill Creek puts you minutes away. Avoid the far north (near Marysville) if you work at the main hospital, as the commute across the Everett Bridge can be a bottleneck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett offers solid career growth, especially if you're willing to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: While Everett employers don’t always advertise large pay bumps for specialties, they are key for landing the best jobs. A PT with a Board Certification (OCS for orthopedics, WCS for women’s health, NCS for neuro) will be at the top of the pay scale and have more negotiating power, pushing towards the $115,000-$130,000 range.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical: Move from general outpatient to a specialty clinic (e.g., pelvic health, sports, vestibular).
  2. Leadership: Become a Lead PT, Clinical Supervisor, or Department Manager (requires additional management skills, often with a DPT or PhD).
  3. Education: Clinical Instructor (CI) for PT students from universities like University of Washington or Washington State University. This often comes with a stipend and strengthens your resume.
  4. Private Practice: The ultimate goal for many. Opening a small clinic in a niche like pelvic health or pediatric therapy is viable in Everett, given the population growth.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth projection is a positive sign. The demand will be driven by:

  • Aging Population: The Puget Sound region is aging. More retirees needing post-acute rehab, joint replacements, and fall prevention.
  • Direct Access: Washington has strong direct access laws, allowing patients to see a PT without a physician's referral for a set period. This expands the potential patient base.
  • Preventative Care: A growing focus on wellness and preventative PT in corporate and community settings.

Insider Tip: The University of Washington's Doctor of Physical Therapy program is a national top-10 school. Being in the region means opportunities for cutting-edge research and collaboration, even if you're not an academic.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Competitive Salary: Above national average with a strong healthcare job market.	High Cost of Living: Rent is steep, eating into disposable income.
Proximity to Nature & City: Easy access to the Cascades, Puget Sound, and Seattle amenities.	Traffic & Commute: I-5 is a major artery; congestion is real. Public transit is limited outside of Seattle.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major employers like Providence; less volatile than tech-centric regions.	Rain & Gray Skies: The famous Pacific Northwest weather, which can be a downer for some.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial benefit, boosting your take-home pay.	Housing is a Challenge: Buying a home is difficult for a single income earner at the median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior PTs who value a balance between urban amenities and access to the outdoors, and who are seeking stable employment with above-average pay. It’s particularly attractive if you specialize or aim for leadership roles. For new graduates, it’s a good market but requires careful budgeting, especially for rent. It may be wise to start here, gain 2-3 years of experience, and then consider buying a home or moving to a more affordable suburb. If you’re a single PT looking to buy, you’ll need to be at the senior level or consider a roommate to make the numbers work comfortably. For a dual-income household, Everett is a fantastic, manageable option.

FAQs

1. Is the salary enough to live comfortably in Everett as a single PT?
Yes, but "comfortably" depends on your debt and lifestyle. The median salary of $103,598 provides a net monthly take-home of $6,100. After rent ($1,864) and basic expenses, you have ~$2,900 left for loans, savings, and fun. It’s workable, but you won’t be building wealth rapidly without a second income or significant promotions.

2. How competitive is the job market for new graduates?
It’s moderately competitive. Large employers like Providence have structured new grad residency programs, which are highly sought-after. Applying to smaller outpatient clinics can be an easier entry point. Having a strong clinical rotation in Washington or the Pacific Northwest is a major advantage.

3. What is the typical schedule for a PT in Everett?
It varies. Hospital-based PTs often work 10-hour shifts or 4x10 schedules, sometimes with weekend rotations. Outpatient clinic hours are typically Monday-Friday, 8 am-6 pm, with late shifts (until 8 pm) common. Home health PTs set their own schedules but are often on the road most days.

4. Is the cost of living really that high?
Yes. The 113.0 index is