Physical Therapist in Jonesboro, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Jonesboro Stands

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) looking at Jonesboro, the first thing to know is that your paycheck will stretch further here than in most places. The median salary for PTs in the Jonesboro metro is $95,432/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.88/hour. While the national average sits at $99,710/year, Jonesboro's lower cost of living makes that local salary feel more robust than the number suggests.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience. These figures are derived from local job postings, BLS data, and conversations with area clinicians.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Jonesboro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $102,000
Senior	8-15 years	$100,000 - $115,000
Expert/Leadership	15+ years / Specialist	$110,000 - $130,000+

When you compare Jonesboro to other major Arkansas cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Bentonville) might have slightly higher nominal salaries, the cost of living difference is significant. A PT earning $95,432 in Jonesboro has a similar, if not better, purchasing power than a PT earning $105,000 in Little Rock or $110,000 in Bentonville.

Insider Tip: The salary range for mid-career to senior PTs is where the local market gets interesting. With Arkansas State University (ASU) and a significant aging population, demand for experienced clinicians is steady. Don't be afraid to negotiate at the higher end of these ranges if you have specialized skills (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab, or oncology PT).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How far does a $95,432 salary actually go in Jonesboro? We'll use an average effective tax rate (federal, state, and FICA) of ~22% for this breakdown—a common estimate for a single filer in this income bracket.

• Gross Annual Salary: $95,432
• Estimated Annual Taxes (22%): -$20,995
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: $74,437
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,203

Now, let's factor in the most significant local expense: rent. The average 1BR rent in Jonesboro is $767/month. For a PT, this is exceptionally affordable.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$767	The average. Good apartments in safe areas can be found here.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Int)	$150 - $200	Arkansas summers are hot; A/C is a major factor.
Groceries	$350 - $400	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transport is limited.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $350	Varies by employer.
Misc. (Gym, Entertainment, Savings)	$500 - $800	You have significant discretionary income here.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,367 - $3,117
Remaining Take-Home	$3,086 - $3,836	This is your money for savings, investments, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $3,000+ in remaining monthly cash flow after a comfortable lifestyle, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Jonesboro is roughly $200,000 - $230,000. A 20% down payment ($40k-$46k) is a reasonable savings goal for a mid-career PT. A mortgage, taxes, and insurance on a $200k home would likely be around $1,300 - $1,500/month, which is still well within a budget of $6,203/month.

Where the Jobs Are: Jonesboro's Major Employers

Jonesboro's healthcare market is driven by a few key players, with Ohio-based St. Francis Community Hospital (part of Ascension) being the dominant force. The job market is stable, with 161 PT jobs in the metro area, and a 10-year job growth of 14%, which is solid for a rural region.

Here are the primary employers for Physical Therapists in the area:

1. St. Francis Community Hospital (Ascension): The largest employer. They have a robust inpatient rehab unit, outpatient orthopedic clinics, and home health services. Hiring trends show a consistent need for both generalist PTs and those with neuro or cardiopulmonary specialties. They offer competitive benefits and tuition reimbursement.
2. NEA Baptist Clinic (now part of Baptist Health): A major outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine provider. They often hire PTs for their main clinic and satellite locations. They have a strong focus on sports rehab and have partnerships with local schools and athletes.
3. Arkansas State University (ASU): The university's athletic department hires PTs and Athletic Trainers. Additionally, the ASU Fowler Center and associated campus health services provide occasional opportunities. This is a great niche for those interested in sports or academia.
4. Baptist Health Medical Center - Jonesboro: While St. Francis is the primary hospital, Baptist Health has a significant presence with a medical center and multiple outpatient clinics. They are a key competitor and often have openings in home health and outpatient settings.
5. Local Private Practices & Specialty Clinics: There are several independent clinics focusing on pelvic health, vestibular rehab, and industrial rehab. These smaller employers often offer higher pay but fewer benefits. They are excellent for building a specialized skill set.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like ApriaHealthcare and Kindred at Home have a presence in Jonesboro. The demand for home health PTs is driven by the area's aging population. This work offers autonomy but can be less structured.
7. Schools & Pediatric Clinics: The Jonesboro Public School District and private clinics like TheraPlay Pediatric Therapy hire PTs for early intervention and school-based services. This is a growing area due to increased referrals for developmental delays.

Insider Tip: The most coveted jobs are often at St. Francis or NEA Baptist. However, the best work-life balance can sometimes be found in a small private practice or home health, where you have more control over your schedule. Network on LinkedIn with local PTs; the community is small, and word-of-mouth is powerful.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

As of 2023, Arkansas requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program. The state follows a standard licensing process through the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy (ASBPT).

1. Education: Earn your DPT. There are no CAPTE-accredited programs in Arkansas itself, so most PTs come from out-of-state (e.g., University of Washington, Emory, Washington University in St. Louis).
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam (on state laws and rules).
3. Application: Submit an application to the ASBPT, which includes transcripts, NPTE scores, and a background check. The application fee is $125 (as of 2023, always check the board for updates).
4. Jurisprudence Exam: This open-book exam is taken online. There is a $50 fee. You must pass it within 90 days of your application.
5. License Fee: Once approved, you pay a license fee of $175 for a two-year cycle.

Total Estimated Licensing Cost (excluding NPTE fee): ~$350 (Application + Jurisprudence + License Fee).

Timeline: If you apply immediately after graduation and passing the NPTE, you can expect to be licensed and able to practice within 2-3 months. Arkansas is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which eases the process for PTs already licensed in another compact state.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Jonesboro is a commuter city where having a car is non-negotiable. Traffic is minimal, and most commutes are under 20 minutes. Here are the top areas for PTs, balancing work, life, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Northwest Jonesboro	The most developed area. Close to St. Francis Hospital, NEA Baptist Clinic, and shopping. Family-friendly, established.	$800 - $1,100	A young professional who wants a short, easy commute to work and wants to be near amenities.
Caraway Corridor	A mix of older homes and new apartments. Centrally located, with easy access to both major hospitals and Arkansas State University.	$750 - $950	Balance of affordability and location. Great for those who want a central hub.
Downtown/Southside	Historic with a growing number of renovated lofts and apartments. Walkable to local coffee shops and the ASU campus.	$700 - $900	The active professional who enjoys a walkable, collegiate atmosphere and doesn't mind a slightly longer drive (10-15 mins) to hospitals.
Southwest Jonesboro	More residential and suburban. Offers newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. A bit farther from the main medical hubs.	$650 - $850	A PT who is looking for more space, a quieter neighborhood, and is willing to drive 15-20 minutes to work.

Neighborhood Insider Tip: If you're working at St. Francis, the Northwest area is unbeatable for convenience. If you value lower rent and a more eclectic vibe, the Downtown/Southside area is transforming, though the inventory of modern apartments is still growing.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jonesboro, career growth is more about specialization and informal leadership than climbing a corporate ladder. The 10-year outlook for PTs is positive, with the 14% job growth reflecting a stable demand that outpaces many other professions.

• Specialty Premiums: While board-certified specialists earn more nationally, the local premium can be subtle. However, a PT with a vestibular certification or expertise in pelvic health will be in high demand and can command a salary at the top of the range ($110,000+). The aging population ensures a steady need for geriatric and orthopedic skills.
• Advancement Paths: Many PTs move into clinic management or director of rehab roles at St. Francis or NEA Baptist, which can push salaries over $120,000. Another common path is to open a cash-based specialty practice (e.g., running a pelvic health or performance clinic), which offers unlimited income potential but with higher risk.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth in outpatient orthopedics and home health will continue. The presence of ASU provides a potential for clinical-instructor roles and sports rehab niches. The key to long-term growth is building a reputation in a specialty and considering management or private practice if you want to significantly out-earn the median.

The Verdict: Is Jonesboro Right for You?

For a Physical Therapist, Jonesboro represents a classic "value" proposition: a solid salary paired with a very low cost of living. It's a place to build a stable career, buy a home early, and live comfortably without the financial stress of a major metro.

Pros and Cons for a PT:

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Affordability: Your $95,432 salary feels like $120,000+ in a high-cost city.	Limited Cultural Variety: It's a college town in a rural region; the arts and food scene is modest.
Stable Job Market: 161 jobs and 14% growth indicate steady demand.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transport is minimal.
Manageable Commutes: Average commute is 15-20 minutes, even in traffic.	Social Scene Can Be Quiet: Nightlife and dating options are limited compared to larger cities.
Tight-Knit Professional Community: It's easy to network and know the key players.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters are mild but can be icy.
Ideal for Homebuying: You can buy a great home within a few years of working.	Specialty Niche Limitations: Highly specialized niches (e.g., pediatric oncology) may have fewer opportunities than in major research hospitals.

Final Recommendation:
Jonesboro is an outstanding choice for a Physical Therapist who values financial stability, homeownership, and a manageable lifestyle over big-city amenities. It's particularly well-suited for mid-career PTs looking to put down roots, start a family, or build a specialized practice. If you crave constant cultural stimulation, endless dining options, and a fast-paced social life, you may find it limiting. However, for the vast majority of PTs seeking a high quality of life and a career with a strong future, Jonesboro is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new DPT graduates in Jonesboro?
The market is welcoming but competitive for the best positions. New graduates should apply broadly to St. Francis, NEA Baptist, and home health agencies. A clinical rotation in the area is a huge advantage. The median salary of $95,432 is more realistic for those with 1-2 years of experience; new grads may start closer to $78,000 - $85,000.

2. How does the cost of living compare to national averages?
With a Cost of Living Index of 85.7 (US avg = 100), Jonesboro is about 14.3% cheaper than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor—rent and home prices are significantly lower. This makes your $95,432 salary go much further.

3. Is it necessary to have a car in Jonesboro?
Yes, absolutely. The city is designed for cars. While some areas like Downtown are becoming more walkable, the medical centers are spread out, and public transportation (Jonesboro Transit) is limited in routes and frequency. You'll need a car for a reliable commute.

4. What are the top specialties for growth in the Jonesboro market?
Given the demographics, geriatrics, orthopedics, and home health are consistently in demand. There's also a growing need for pelvic health PTs and vestibular specialists due to a lack of providers in these areas. Sports PT is also viable due to ASU and local high schools.

5. How do I find housing in Jonesboro?
Start your search on Zillow, Apartments.com, or Facebook Marketplace. For a modern 1BR, aim for $700-$950/month. If you want to be near St. Francis Hospital, focus on the Northwest area. If you're looking for a deal and don't mind a short drive, check out the Southwest or Caraway Corridor. It's a renter-friendly market with plenty of options.