Physical Therapist in Johnson City, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Johnson City Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched this market for years, I can tell you straight: Johnson City offers a solid salary for Physical Therapists, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for PTs here is $96,389/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.34/hour. That’s about 3.3% below the national average of $99,710/year, but here’s the critical context—your dollar stretches much further in this Appalachian city.

Let’s break down what you can expect based on experience. This table is based on local job postings, BLS data for the Kingsport-Bristol metro area, and conversations with area managers.

Experience Level	Salary Range (Johnson City)	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Mountain States Health Alliance, SoKno clinics, outpatient private practices
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Wellmont, Johnson City Medical Center, school systems (Washington County)
Senior (8-15 years)	$100,000 - $115,000	Regional specialty clinics, management roles, home health leads
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$110,000 - $130,000+	Ortho/Sports Med, Pelvic Health, Vestibular specialists, academia (ETSU)

Compared to other Tennessee cities, Johnson City holds its own. Nashville PTs might earn $105,000+ on average, but their rent is often double. Knoxville is closer at $98,000, but the competition is fiercer. Chattanooga comes in around $94,000. The key advantage here is the 146 total PT jobs in the metro (data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics). That number is stable, not explosive, which means it’s a manageable market—not oversaturated like some major metros, but with enough openings to be choosy.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for PTs in the region is projected at 14%, which is on par with national trends but driven locally by an aging population and the expansion of sports medicine programs tied to East Tennessee State University (ETSU). This isn't a boomtown, but it's a very stable, recession-resistant market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. On a $96,389 salary, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes (assuming you file single, no dependents) will be roughly $6,800/month. Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living.

The Cost of Living Index for Johnson City is 88.9 (US avg = 100). Housing is the biggest win. The average 1BR rent is $870/month. For a Physical Therapist earning the median, this is highly affordable.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a PT making $96,389:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for a Johnson City PT
Take-Home Pay	$6,800	After taxes (approx.)
Rent (1BR)	$870	Can find quality units in good areas for this price
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, water, internet (Comcast/AT&T)
Groceries	$350 - $450	Publix, Food City, and local farmers markets
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	Employer-sponsored plans vary
Student Loans	$300 - $500	Varies widely; many local employers offer repayment assistance
Retirement (401k)	$400	Aim for 5% to get employer match
Discretionary	$3,280 - $3,630	Food, entertainment, savings, travel

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Johnson City is around $240,000. With a $96,389 salary and a 20% down payment ($48,000), your monthly mortgage (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) would be roughly $1,100 - $1,200. That’s only about $300 more than your rent, and you’re building equity. Many PTs I know buy homes within 2-3 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Johnson City's Major Employers

Johnson City’s healthcare ecosystem is robust, anchored by a major medical school and a regional hospital network. There are 146 PT jobs in the metro, and they’re concentrated in these places:

1. Ballad Health (formerly Mountain States Health Alliance): The absolute powerhouse. They run Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC), the flagship Level I Trauma Center, and Niswonger Children’s Hospital. They also manage numerous outpatient clinics (like the Woodridge location). Hiring is steady, with a mix of inpatient rehab, outpatient ortho, and pediatric roles. Insider Tip: JCMC uses a centralized HR system. Apply directly on their careers portal and tailor your resume to their "Core Behaviors."

2. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) & ETSU Health: This is your academic and specialty hub. ETSU’s College of Clinical & Rehabilitative Health Sciences offers a DPT program. ETSU Health runs a large outpatient clinic downtown, specializing in orthopaedics, sports, and pelvic health. They often hire recent grads as adjunct clinical faculty or staff PTs. Hiring Trend: Growth is in specialty areas like pelvic health and vestibular rehab, driven by ETSU’s research focus.

3. Wellmont (now part of Ballad, but some legacy clinics remain): While merged, some outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinics under the Wellmont brand still operate. They are known for a strong sports PT focus, serving the region’s active population and college athletes.

4. Johnson City Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine: A large, respected private practice group with multiple locations. They handle a high volume of orthopedic, sports, and work injury cases. A great place for mid-career PTs to develop a broad skill set and see a fast-paced caseload.

5. Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) Corporate & Home Health: Beyond JCMC, MSHA has a large home health division covering the Tri-Cities region. This offers a different pace and is ideal for PTs who prefer one-on-one care in patient homes. They also have corporate wellness programs.

6. Private Practice & Local Clinics: There are numerous smaller, high-quality private practices (like Therapeutic Associates of Johnson City or Premier Physical Therapy). These often offer more autonomy, direct patient care, and sometimes better work-life balance. They hire through local networks and word-of-mouth.

7. Regional Hospitals & Schools: PTs also find roles at Washington County Jail (for correctional health), local school systems (Washington County or Johnson City Schools for pediatrics), and Sycamore Shoals Hospital in nearby Elizabethton.

Hiring Trend Insight: Demand is strongest for outpatient ortho and sports PTs. There’s a growing niche for pelvic health and vestibular specialists, often linked to ETSU’s programs. Home health is consistently hiring due to the aging population in the Appalachian region.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee licensure is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners oversees the process.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Tennessee Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TJAM).
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
4. Application: Complete the online application through the Tennessee Department of Health’s portal.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline: If you’re a new graduate, expect 3-6 months from graduation to full licensure. This includes waiting for your diploma, scheduling the NPTE (offered quarterly), and processing paperwork. For an out-of-state licensed PT, reciprocity can take 4-8 weeks.
• Costs (Approximate):
  • NPTE Exam Fee: $485
  • Tennessee Application Fee: $175
  • Background Check: ~$50
  • TJAM Fee: $35
  • Total (New Grad): ~$745
  • Total (Licensure by Endorsement): ~$260 (if you already hold an active license in another state)

Insider Tip: Tennessee is a compact state, meaning if you hold an active license in another compact state (like Virginia, Kentucky, or Georgia), the process is faster. Start your application early, as the NPTE can have a waitlist. The state board website is your best friend.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Living in Johnson City means choosing between convenience, lifestyle, and commute. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown/Founders Park: The heart of the city. Walkable to ETSU Health, local cafes (like The Coffee House), and the popular Founders Park for running/walking. Ideal for PTs who want to be near the action and have a short commute to ETSU or Ballad clinics. Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,100/month.

2. North Ridge/Milligan Area: Quiet, family-friendly, and close to ETSU’s main campus and Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Popular with young professionals and academics. Commutes are easy via I-26 or State of Franklin Road. Rent for 1BR: $850 - $1,000/month.

3. Southside (South of I-26): More affordable, with a mix of older homes and new apartments. Closer to Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) and the Walmart Supercenter for shopping. The commute is short, and you get more space for your money. Rent for 1BR: $750 - $900/month.

4. Boones Creek/Gray: Just northeast of the city, this area offers a more suburban feel with excellent schools and newer housing developments. It’s a 10-15 minute drive to most major hospitals and clinics. Great for PTs who want a quieter home base. Rent for 1BR: $800 - $950/month.

5. Historic Tree Streets: A charming, eclectic neighborhood near ETSU, filled with older bungalows and young professionals. It has a great community feel but can be pricier. Rent for 1BR: $950 - $1,200/month.

Commute Note: Johnson City traffic is generally mild. Most PTs live within a 15-20 minute drive of their workplace, even during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career trajectory for a PT in Johnson City is stable and offers clear advancement paths, driven by the local medical school and regional needs.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): The most valued specialty here. Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary. Required for top private practices and sports clinics.
• Board-Certified Specialist in Sports (SCS): High demand, especially at ETSU and Wellmont clinics. Premium is similar to OCS.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche at ETSU Health and Ballad. Limited local competition means higher pay and job security.
• Vestibular Rehab Specialist: Again, an ETSU-driven need. Can lead to consultancy roles.
• Career Advancement: The path is typically: Staff PT -> Senior PT -> Clinical Director/Manager (at a Ballad clinic or private practice) -> Director of Rehabilitation Services (at a hospital) -> Academic/Professor at ETSU. Transitioning into home health management or corporate wellness (for companies like Eastman) is also common.

10-Year Outlook (14% Growth): This isn’t just a number. It means sustained demand due to:

1. Aging Population: The Tri-Cities metro area has a significant retiree population.
2. Sports & Wellness Focus: ETSU’s athletic programs and the region’s outdoor culture drive sports PT needs.
3. Academic Expansion: ETSU continues to expand its clinical research and service offerings, creating more specialized roles.

Insider Tip: Network with ETSU faculty and Ballad Health leaders early. The local PT community is tight-knit. A well-regarded PT here can become a local expert, giving talks at regional conferences or consulting for local sports teams.

The Verdict: Is Johnson City Right for You?

Pros and Cons for a Physical Therapist:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $96,389 salary feels like $110,000 in a major city.	Limited Cultural Nightlife: It’s a small city; for big concerts or diverse cuisine, you’re driving to Knoxville or Charlotte.
Stable Job Market: 146 jobs and 14% growth mean security, not volatility.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier specialist salaries cap around $130k, less than Nashville or Atlanta.
Strong Medical Hub: ETSU and Ballad provide academic and clinical excellence.	Car-Dependent: You’ll need a reliable vehicle; public transit is minimal.
Outdoor Access: The Appalachian Trail, Watauga Lake, and hiking are minutes away.	Competitive Housing Market: While affordable, the rental market has tightened recently.
Manageable Pace: Less burnout than high-pressure urban hospitals.	Professional Network: Can be smaller than in a major metro; requires active effort.

Final Recommendation:
Johnson City is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior PTs seeking stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It’s less ideal for new grads who crave the anonymity and endless networking opportunities of a major city, but the affordability allows new grads to pay down debt quickly. If you value outdoor activities, a close-knit professional community, and a salary that affords a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership, this Appalachian hub is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: What is the job market like for new PT graduates in Johnson City?
A: It’s competitive but open. New grads often start in outpatient ortho at clinics like Johnson City Physical Therapy or Ballad’s outpatient centers. Having a clinical rotation in the area is a huge advantage. Salaries for new grads typically start around $75,000 - $85,000.

Q: Is there a demand for travel PTs in Johnson City?
A: Yes, moderately. Ballad Health and larger private practices often use travel PTs to cover staffing gaps, especially in inpatient rehab and home health. Contracts typically last 13 weeks and pay a premium ($2,000+ weekly, including stipends). It’s a great way to test the market.

Q: How does the licensing process work if I’m already licensed in another state?
A: Tennessee offers licensure by endorsement. If you have an active, unrestricted license in another state and have passed the NPTE, the process is streamlined. You’ll apply through the Tennessee Board, submit verification from your home state, and complete the TJAM. Timeline is typically 4-8 weeks.

Q: Are there opportunities for PTAs or PT aides in Johnson City?
A: Absolutely. PTAs are in demand in outpatient clinics and home health, with salaries around $55,000 - $65,000. PT aides are often hired by larger clinics (like Ballad or Johnson City PT) and are a common entry point for DPT students. Most hospitals require a PTA license for therapy roles.

Q: What’s the best way to network with local PTs before moving?
A: Join the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) and attend their state conferences (often in Knoxville or Nashville). Connect with local PTs on LinkedIn—especially those at ETSU or Ballad. Reach out to the clinical education coordinator at ETSU’s DPT program; they’re a wealth of insider info.