Physical Therapist Career Guide: Janesville, WI

From a Local Career Analyst

Look, I’ve lived in Rock County long enough to see the healthcare landscape shift. Janesville isn't just about the old Rockford influence anymore; it's a regional hub with a cost of living that lets you breathe. If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) or a recent DPT grad eyeing the Midwest, Janesville offers a stable, family-friendly environment with a surprisingly robust job market for our profession. But is the salary right? Can you afford a house here? Let's crunch the numbers and walk the neighborhoods.

This guide is based on current data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), and my own observations of the local market.

The Salary Picture: Where Janesville Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The data shows a solid earning potential here, though it sits slightly below the national average. For Physical Therapists in the Janesville metro area, the median salary is $97,137 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.7 per hour. Compare that to the national average for PTs of $99,710/year, and you’ll see we’re only about 2.6% below the national benchmark. Given our Cost of Living Index of 91.4 (where the US average is 100), that salary actually stretches further than it would in most major metros.

The demand is steady. There are currently 132 Physical Therapist jobs in the Janesville metro, with a projected 10-year job growth of 14%. That growth is driven by an aging population and a high prevalence of orthopedic and sports-related injuries in the region.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Janesville)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $88,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$90,000 - $105,000
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$100,000 - $115,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$110,000 - $130,000+

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Janesville holds its own. It’s not Milwaukee or Madison, but it’s more affordable than both.

Wisconsin City	Median Salary (Physical Therapist)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Janesville	$97,137	91.4
Madison	$98,500	105.2
Milwaukee	$99,800	94.8
Green Bay	$95,200	89.5

Insider Tip: Salaries at larger hospital systems (like Mercyhealth) often start higher but may have less immediate flexibility. Outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer a slightly lower base but with productivity bonuses that can push your total compensation over the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $97,137, your take-home pay after taxes (assuming single filing, no dependents, standard deduction) will be roughly $6,200 - $6,500 per month. This is an estimate; use a Wisconsin-specific paycheck calculator for precise numbers.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single PT living in Janesville:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$841	The city average. You can find nicer for ~$950.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating costs more.
Groceries	$350	Janesville has competitive grocery prices (Pick 'n Save, Woodman's).
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Janesville is a driving city; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Typical employee contribution.
Student Loans	$400	Varies widely; adjust to your situation.
Misc./Entertainment	$400	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Savings/Investments	$1,359	Leftover from median take-home.

Total Expenses: ~$3,191
Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$3,009

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Janesville is around $245,000. With a 20% down payment ($49,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,300/month (including taxes and insurance). This is very manageable on a $97,137 salary, especially if you have a partner with an income. Many PTs here buy homes within 2-3 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Janesville's Major Employers

Janesville’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few key players. The job market is stable, with low turnover. Hiring trends favor PTs with orthopedic or neurological specializations, but generalists are always needed.

1. Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center: The region’s largest employer. They have a massive outpatient rehab department and a busy inpatient unit. They often hire for both acute care and outpatient roles. Insider Tip: Mercyhealth is known for strong benefits and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

2. SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - Janesville: Another major hospital system with a robust rehab services department. They have a focus on stroke and cardiac rehab. Their hiring process is thorough but stable.

3. Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinics: Janesville has several private practices specializing in outpatient orthopedics. Examples include Rock County Orthopedics and Janesville Physical Therapy. These often offer a more fast-paced, athletic environment with higher productivity bonuses.

4. Beloit Health System: Located just south of Janesville in Beloit, it’s a major regional competitor. Many Janesville residents work there. They are expanding their rehab services, creating new positions.

5. Snelling Medical Staffing: This staffing agency is a key player for temporary and travel PT positions in the area. If you’re looking to test the waters before committing, this is your best bet.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like ComForCare and Interim HealthCare constantly need PTs for home visits. This role offers autonomy and a different pace, perfect for those who dislike clinic settings.

7. School Districts: The Janesville School District and surrounding districts hire PTs for pediatric services. These positions are competitive and follow an academic calendar.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing demand for PTs who can treat vestibular disorders and concussions, linked to the active population and the presence of concussion protocols in local high school sports.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a straightforward licensing process, but you need to plan ahead.

Requirements:

1. Degree: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
4. Application: Apply through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Costs (2024 Estimates):

• NPTE Exam Fee: $485
• Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam: $25
• Initial License Application Fee: $125
• Background Check: ~$75
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$710

Timeline:

• Study & Take NPTE: Allow 3-6 months post-grad.
• Apply to DSPS: Process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting all documents.
• Total Time: Plan for 3-6 months from graduation to holding your active WI license.

Insider Tip: Wisconsin is part of the PT Compact. If you already hold a license in another compact state, you can get a Wisconsin license much faster (often within a week) for a reduced fee. This is a huge advantage for moving here.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Janesville is spread out, but traffic is rarely an issue.

1. Downtown Janesville: The heart of the city. Walkable, with historic homes, cafes, and the farmers market. Close to Mercyhealth’s downtown campus. Rent for a 1BR: $800-$1,100. Best for those who want a vibrant, small-city feel.

2. The East Side (Near Milton Ave): More modern apartments and condos. Very close to SSM Health St. Mary’s and major shopping plazas. Rent for a 1BR: $850-$1,000. Ideal for a convenient, suburban lifestyle with easy access to everything.

3. The West Side: Quieter, residential area with single-family homes. A bit further from the main hospitals but closer to the Rock River and parks. Rent for a 1BR: $750-$900. Great for those wanting more space and a family-friendly environment.

4. Milton: Just 10 minutes north of Janesville. A smaller, tight-knit community with lower rents. Home to the Janesville/Milton YMCA, a popular spot for PTs. Rent for a 1BR: $700-$850. Perfect for a short commute with a small-town vibe.

5. Beloit (South of Janesville): While not in Janesville, many live here for the lower cost of living and work in Janesville. The commute is 15-20 minutes on I-43. Rent for a 1BR: $700-$900. A strategic choice for maximizing income vs. expenses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Janesville is a great place to build a career, not just hold a job.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in outpatient clinics. Can command a 5-10% salary premium.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): In demand at hospitals for stroke, TBI, and Parkinson’s care.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A rapidly growing niche with very few local providers. You could build a lucrative cash-based practice or command a high salary at a clinic offering this.
• Leadership: Moving into a Clinic Director or Rehab Manager role at a hospital system can push your salary $120,000+.

10-Year Outlook:
With 14% job growth projected, opportunities will increase. The aging population will drive demand in home health and geriatric care. The rise of telehealth may also create hybrid roles. PTs who stay current with tech (wearables, EMR systems) will have an edge. The key to advancement here is specialization and building a reputation within the tight-knit local medical community.

The Verdict: Is Janesville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living lets your salary go far.	Limited cultural/nightlife compared to Madison or Milwaukee.
Stable, growing job market with multiple major employers.	Car-dependent city; public transit is minimal.
Short commutes (most are under 15 minutes).	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy.
Family-friendly with good schools and parks.	Limited specialty clinics; you may need to travel for niche care.
Close to two bigger metros (Madison 45 min, Rockford 30 min) for weekend trips.	Fewer networking events for professionals compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Janesville is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a family-oriented environment. If you’re a new grad looking to pay down student debt quickly, or an experienced PT seeking a slower pace without sacrificing career opportunities, Janesville delivers. It’s not the place for someone who craves a bustling urban scene, but for a grounded professional life and a comfortable home, it’s hard to beat in the Midwest.

FAQs

Q: Is Janesville a good place for a traveling PT?
A: Yes. The presence of major hospital systems and staffing agencies like Snelling creates consistent demand for travel contracts. The low cost of living means your stipend goes even further. A typical 13-week contract here can be very financially rewarding.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new DPT graduates?
A: Moderately competitive. While there are openings, employers often prefer candidates with clinical rotations in orthopedic or acute care settings. Applying early and having a WI license in hand (or in progress) will give you a significant advantage.

Q: What’s the typical patient load?
A: In outpatient orthopedics, expect 12-16 patients per day. In hospital-based outpatient or home health, it’s often 8-12. This is standard for the region and allows for adequate documentation time.

Q: Are there opportunities for PTAs in Janesville?
A: Absolutely. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are in high demand here. The median salary for PTAs in the region is around $62,500, and the low cost of living makes it a very attractive career. Most job postings are for outpatient clinics and home health.

Q: What’s the community like for PTs?
A: It’s collaborative but not overly formal. The medical community is tight-knit. Attend events at the Rock County Medical Society or volunteer at the Janesville Farmers Market to network. Most PTs here know each other, which helps with referrals and career moves.

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Wisconsin DSPS, Zillow Rent Data, BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, Janesville Area Chamber of Commerce.