The Complete Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Juneau, Alaska

As someone who’s watched Juneau’s healthcare landscape evolve over the past decade, I can tell you that a career in physical therapy here isn’t like anywhere else. You’re not just dealing with typical orthopedic cases; you’re treating injuries from commercial fishing, skiing at Eaglecrest, hiking the Mendenhall Glacier trails, and the general wear-and-tear of life in a remote coastal capital. This guide is built on hard data and local realities to help you decide if Southeast Alaska is the right place for your practice.

The Salary Picture: Where Juneau Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Juneau City and Borough is $100,218/year, translating to an hourly rate of $48.18/hour. This sits just slightly above the national average of $99,710/year, which is notable for a metro area with a population of only 31,969. The region boasts 63 jobs for Physical Therapists, with a projected 10-year job growth of 14%. This growth is driven by an aging population and a robust demand for outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine services.

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

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$80,000 - $90,000	Often starts in hospital or skilled nursing facilities.
Mid-Career (3-8 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	The sweet spot for most outpatient and home health roles.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$110,000 - $125,000+	Seen in specialty clinics, management, or niche areas like pelvic health.

How does this compare to other Alaska cities?

• Anchorage: Typically 10-15% higher due to a larger market and more corporate healthcare systems. Median salary often hovers around $110,000-$115,000.
• Fairbanks: Similar to Juneau, sometimes slightly lower due to a smaller healthcare footprint. Median around $98,000-$102,000.
• Ketchikan/Sitka: Often slightly lower than Juneau, but with a similar cost of living and lifestyle. Expect $95,000-$105,000.

Insider Tip: The $100,218 median is a strong baseline. In Juneau, specialized certifications (like Orthopedic Clinical Specialist or Women’s Health Certified) can push you into the $115,000+ range, especially if you’re willing to work for a private practice that bills for specialty services.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A high salary means little without understanding the cost of living. Juneau’s Cost of Living Index is 101.7 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 1.7% more expensive than the national average. The biggest factor? Housing. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,307/month.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $100,218. We’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,351.50
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$2,700 (This is an estimate; consult a tax professional)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,651.50

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Housing (1BR apartment): $1,307
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $250 (Heat is a major cost in winter)
• Groceries & Essentials: $600 (Food is expensive due to shipping)
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel: $500 (You need a car; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance/Professional Dues: $400
• Student Loans/Other Debt: $500
• Retirement Savings (401k/IRA): $500
• Discretionary Spending: $1,594.50

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Juneau is approximately $525,000. With a $100,218 salary, a 20% down payment ($105,000) is a significant hurdle, but not impossible with savings. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could range from $2,800 to $3,200. This is a stretch for a single earner but very manageable for a dual-income household. Many local professionals choose to rent long-term due to the high upfront costs and volatile housing market.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the hospital, offer housing assistance or relocation stipends for hard-to-fill positions. Always ask about this during negotiations.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Juneau’s healthcare ecosystem is defined by a few major players. Competition for jobs can be fierce, but turnover is low because people love living here.

1. Bartlett Regional Hospital (BRH): The city’s primary acute-care hospital. They have a robust inpatient rehab unit and outpatient orthopedic clinics. Hiring is steady due to expansion and the need for PTs to cover multiple units. Trending: Actively hiring for full-time roles with competitive benefits.
2. SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC): This is a massive, Alaska Native-owned nonprofit with clinics throughout Southeast. Their main Juneau campus (Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital) is a key employer. Trending: High demand for PTs in home health and community-based rehab.
3. Juneau Physical Therapy (Private Practice): A well-established local outpatient clinic specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. Trending: Often hiring part-time or full-time PTs, especially those with sports residency experience or OCS certification.
4. Alaska VA Healthcare System: The VA clinic in Juneau serves veterans across the region. Trending: Stable, federal government jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring is periodic and competitive.
5. Empire Health & Rehabilitation (Skilled Nursing Facility): The primary SNF in the area. Trending: Constant need for PTs to cover long-term care and short-term rehab. A great place for new grads to gain experience.
6. Providence Health & Services: Operates a small but growing medical office in Juneau. Trending: Focus on outpatient and wellness services. Hiring is less frequent but offers a different corporate culture than BRH or SEARHC.
7. Juneau School District: PTs are hired for the district's special education department to work with children. Trending: Seasonal or contract work, often combined with a private practice job for a full-time income.

Insider Tip: The "Juneau Medical Complex" near BRH on Fort Street is the hub. Most outpatient clinics are within a 10-minute drive of this area. Living close to the Downtown or Douglas neighborhoods minimizes commute times.

Getting Licensed in AK

Alaska’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Alaska State Board of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants handles all credentials.

Steps & Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
2. NPTE Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This is the same nationwide.
3. State Exam: Pass the Alaska Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, online).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit the official application with required documents (transcripts, NPTE score, etc.) to the Board.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Estimated Cost: $400 - $600 (Application fees: ~$200, Jurisprudence Exam: ~$70, Background Check: ~$150).
• Timeline: Once you have your NPTE score, expect 4-6 weeks for the Board to process your application and issue your license. Planning is key—start the process at least 3 months before your intended move.

Insider Tip: The Alaska Board is efficient, but they are strict about documentation. Ensure your official transcripts are sent directly from your university. Incomplete applications are the most common delay.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live in Juneau depends on your lifestyle and commute. Traffic isn’t a major issue, but the geography (water and mountains) dictates neighborhood placement.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/Midtown	Walkable, urban feel. 5-10 min drive to the medical complex. Close to restaurants, Capitol, and nightlife.	$1,400 - $1,600	Younger professionals, those who want a social scene.
Mendenhall Valley (Glacier Valley)	Suburban, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive to downtown. Close to the Mendenhall Glacier and trails.	$1,200 - $1,400	Families, outdoor enthusiasts, quieter lifestyle.
Douglas Island	Small-town, tight-knit community. 15-20 min drive to downtown (via the Douglas Bridge). Quieter, more residential.	$1,100 - $1,300	Those seeking a slower pace, tight community feel.
Auke Bay	Nautical, laid-back. 15-20 min drive to downtown. Home to the university and research facilities.	$1,250 - $1,450	Academics, lab researchers, those who love boating.
Lemon Creek	Industrial-lite, affordable. 10 min to downtown, 5 min to the airport. Big-box stores are here.	$1,000 - $1,200	Budget-conscious renters, those who prioritize value.

Insider Tip: If you work at Bartlett Regional Hospital, living in the Downtown/Midtown area is unbeatable for walkability. If you work at SEARHC's main campus, Auke Bay offers a beautiful, scenic commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A PT career in Juneau is stable with clear paths to advancement, though the market is smaller than in Anchorage.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtaining a board certification (OCS, WCS, NCS) can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your salary. Clinics are willing to pay for specialty care that attracts a niche patient base (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab).
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is moving from staff PT to Clinical Director or Clinic Manager. Another route is into home health, which often pays higher per-visit rates and offers more autonomy. Starting your own cash-based practice (e.g., running wellness workshops or treadmill analysis) is also viable due to the tight-knit community.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is promising. The aging Alaskan population and the focus on outdoor recreation will sustain demand. However, the supply of PTs is also growing, so specialization will be key to maintaining high earning potential. Telehealth is slowly entering the market, allowing for additional revenue streams.

Insider Tip: Networking is everything in Juneau. Join the Alaska Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Alaska Chapter. Attend the annual conference in Anchorage; it's the best place to meet employers from across the state.

The Verdict: Is Juneau Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($100,218) with a relatively low cost of living.	High Cost of Living for groceries, utilities, and especially housing.
Unparalleled Outdoor Access—hiking, fishing, skiing, right outside your door.	Geographic Isolation—you can't drive to another city. Flights are expensive.
Tight-Knit Community—easy to build a professional and personal network.	Limited Job Market—fewer employers than in Anchorage or Lower 48 cities.
Stable Job Growth (14%) with demand in multiple settings.	Weather & Light—long, dark winters and the "Juneau Drizzle" can be challenging.
Unique Practice Setting—treat diverse, active patient populations.	Professional Development—conferences require travel and expense.

Final Recommendation:
Juneau is an exceptional choice for a Physical Therapist who values work-life balance, outdoor adventure, and a strong sense of community over a sprawling urban career ladder. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to specialize or for new grads willing to start in a SNF or hospital to gain experience. If you crave anonymity, a fast-paced city life, or easy travel, Juneau will feel too small and remote. For the right person, it’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market like for new graduates in Juneau?
It’s competitive but not impossible. New grads should be open to starting in skilled nursing facilities (Empire Health) or acute care (Bartlett Hospital) to gain experience. Private practices often prefer 1-2 years of experience. Having a residency or strong clinical rotations in orthopedics is a significant advantage.

2. Is it easy to get licensed as a PT from another state?
Yes, Alaska is a member of the PT Compact. If you hold an active license in another compact member state, you can obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in Alaska without going through the full licensure process. For non-compact states, the full process outlined above applies.

3. How important is a car in Juneau?
Essential. Public transportation is limited. While downtown is walkable, most employers (Bartlett, SEARHC in Auke Bay) and neighborhoods are spread out. You’ll also need a car to explore the incredible outdoors. If you live and work downtown, you could manage without one, but it’s a significant lifestyle limitation.

4. Can I do home health in Juneau?
Absolutely. SEARHC and several private agencies hire home health PTs. This is a popular setting due to the high per-visit pay and the ability to manage your own schedule. However, be prepared for driving in all weather conditions and access issues (stairs, remote homes).

5. What’s the best way to find housing?
Start early. The rental market is tight. Facebook Marketplace and local rental groups are surprisingly effective. Property management companies like Bartlett Properties and Juneau Property Management list most apartments. Be prepared with references and proof of income (like a job offer) to move quickly. Expect to pay first month’s rent and a security deposit upfront.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska State Board of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants, Zillow Rental Data (Juneau City and Borough), Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).