Physical Therapy Career Guide: Kennewick, WA

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) considering the Tri-Cities, you're looking at a market that’s stable, affordable, and quietly booming. Kennewick isn't the sprawling metro of Seattle, but that’s its strength. It’s a community where you can build a career, afford a home, and be part of a tight-knit medical network. This guide cuts through the fluff with hard data and local insights to help you decide if Kennewick is your next professional home.

I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for over a decade, watching the healthcare sector expand alongside the wine and tech industries. I’ve seen PTs come for a job and stay for the lifestyle. Let's get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

Financially, Kennewick offers a compelling proposition for PTs. The salary is right on par with the national average, but the cost of living is slightly below it, giving you more purchasing power.

The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Kennewick is $99,410 per year, with an hourly rate of $47.79. This is remarkably close to the national average of $99,710. The key here is the cost of living. While your salary is nearly identical to the national figure, your expenses will be lower.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Kennewick Salary (Annual)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$82,000 - $90,000	New grads often start at large hospital systems or outpatient chains. Benefits are typically robust.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $108,000	This is where you'll see the median fall. Specialization or moving into a lead therapist role increases pay.
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $118,000	Experience in home health, hospital management, or niche orthopedics commands top dollar.
Expert/Manager (15+ years)	$115,000+	Clinic directors, specialized practice owners, or those with advanced certifications (OCS, SCS) hit this tier.

How Kennewick Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle/Bellevue: Salaries are higher (~115k-125k), but cost of living is 50%+ higher. Rent and home prices are prohibitive for many.
• Spokane: Similar salary range, slightly lower cost of living than Kennewick. More of a traditional medical hub.
• Bellingham: Salaries comparable, but housing is extremely tight and expensive due to the university and proximity to Seattle.
• Yakima: Slightly lower salaries but also lower housing costs. Kennewick offers a better balance of salary vs. amenities.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for PTs in this metro is 14%, which is strong. This isn't just about replacing retirees; it's about new clinics, expanded hospital services, and an aging population that needs more rehab care. The 170 jobs in the metro might seem small, but it’s a stable, low-churn market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real money. We'll use the median salary of $99,410 for this breakdown. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and Washington's lack of state income tax, your take-home pay is approximately $75,000-$77,000 per year, or $6,250 - $6,415 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Kennewick PT:

• Take-Home Pay: $6,300 (average)
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,206
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Household: $600
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $450 (Kennewick is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Student Loans/Retirement Savings: $500
• Discretionary Spending: $1,994

This leaves a very healthy buffer for savings, travel, or accelerating debt payoff. The Cost of Living Index is 99.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes slightly further here than the national average.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Kennewick is around $380,000 - $420,000. With a 20% down payment ($76k-$84k), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would be roughly $1,800 - $2,100 per month. Given your take-home pay, this is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income. Many PTs I know bought homes within 2-3 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by a few key players. Most PTs work in outpatient orthopedics or hospital-based settings. Here are the primary employers:

1. Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Part of Providence):

   • The Details: The largest employer in the Tri-Cities. They have a robust inpatient rehab unit, outpatient therapy clinics, and home health services. Kadlec is always hiring for PTs, especially in orthopedics and neuro.
   • Hiring Trend: Stable. They value experience but also have residency programs for new grads. Benefits are excellent.

2. Lourdes Health (Part of PeaceHealth):

   • The Details: The other major hospital system. Lourdes has a strong focus on sports medicine and outpatient rehab. Their clinic on Gage Blvd is a major hub.
   • Hiring Trend: Growing. They are expanding their specialty services, creating opportunities for PTs with sports or orthopedic specializations.

3. Tri-Cities Orthopedics (TCO):

   • The Details: A private, physician-owned orthopedic practice with a large PT department. This is a prime spot for PTs who want to work closely with surgeons and focus purely on orthopedics.
   • Hiring Trend: Selective. They typically hire experienced PTs or new grads with strong orthopedic clinicals.

4. Sports Medicine & Performance Centers (SMPC):

   • The Details: A well-regarded private outpatient clinic specializing in sports rehab, performance training, and manual therapy. Known for treating athletes from local high schools and colleges.
   • Hiring Trend: They hire for culture fit and manual therapy skills. It’s a competitive spot but offers a great mix of cases.

5. Therapeutic Associates (Multiple Locations):

   • The Details: A regional outpatient chain with several clinics in Kennewick and Richland. Good for new grads looking for mentorship and a structured career path.
   • Hiring Trend: Consistent. They often have openings and provide good training.

6. Home Health Agencies (Amedisys, LHC Group):

   • The Details: Several national and regional agencies serve the Tri-Cities. Pay is often higher (per-visit), but you lose the clinic environment. Great for autonomy and schedule flexibility.
   • Hiring Trend: High demand. The aging population ensures steady work.

Insider Tip: The "Kennewick Medical District" around South Washington Street and 10th Ave has the highest concentration of outpatient clinics. Living nearby could mean a sub-5-minute commute.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state licensure is straightforward but requires planning. The Washington State Department of Health's Board of Physical Therapy handles this.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE).
3. Jurisprudence: Pass the Washington Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, online).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a national background check.
5. Application: Complete the online application and pay fees.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Fees: ~$500-$700 (NPTE fee, WA state application, jurisprudence, background check).
• Timeline: If you're already licensed in another state, you can apply for Licensure by Endorsement and typically be licensed within 4-6 weeks. For new grads, allow 2-3 months after passing your NPTE to get your WA license.
• Compact State: Washington is not part of the PT Compact (as of 2024). If you have a license from a compact state, you still need to apply for a WA license.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Kennewick is divided into distinct areas. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Kennewick Hill (West Kennewick)	Established, quiet, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min commute to medical district.	$1,150 - $1,350	PTs wanting a classic suburban feel with great schools.
Southridge	Newer development, master-planned, with parks and trails. 15-20 min commute.	$1,250 - $1,450	Active professionals who want modern amenities and easy access to the river.
Downtown Kennewick	Historic, walkable, with a growing food/arts scene. 5-10 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,200	Urban-minded PTs who want to be in the heart of the action.
Highland Green	Family-oriented, affordable, good value. 10-12 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,250	New grads or those looking to buy their first home quickly.
Westside (near 240)	More rural, larger lots, quieter. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	PTs who want space, a home office, and don't mind a longer drive.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue here. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. Most PTs I know live in Southridge or Kennewick Hill and love the quick access to both work and the recreational amenities along the Columbia River.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Kennewick is a great place to start, but you can also build a long-term, high-earning career here without needing to move to a major coastal city.

Specialty Premiums: While base salary is the main driver, certifications can open doors to higher pay or niche roles.

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued at TCO, Kadlec, and private clinics. Can add $5k-$10k to your salary.
• Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): In demand at SMPC and Lourdes. Can add a similar premium.
• Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS): Useful for home health and hospital roles with the aging population.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche with few providers in the area. High demand and can lead to private practice opportunities.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: Senior PT -> Lead Therapist -> Clinic Director.
2. Specialist Track: Staff PT -> Specialist (OCS/SCS) -> Expert Consultant.
3. Private Practice: Many experienced PTs in Kennewick eventually open their own small clinics, especially in Southridge or near the hospitals. The market supports it.
4. Home Health Management: Move from field PT to area manager.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is a strong signal. The Tri-Cities is attracting retirees and growing families, both of which need physical therapy. Investment in healthcare is steady. A PT who establishes themselves can expect stable employment, rising wages, and opportunities to diversify into teaching, consulting, or practice ownership.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Deciding on a move is personal. Here’s a straightforward table to help you weigh the factors.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Your $99,410 goes further here than in Seattle.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: It's a family-friendly city, not a bustling metropolis.
Stable, Growing Job Market: 14% growth and 170 jobs mean opportunity without cutthroat competition.	Car Dependency: You will need a car. Public transit is limited.
Affordable Home Ownership: You can realistically buy a home within a few years.	Isolation: It's a 2.5-hour drive to Seattle or 4 hours to Portland. Air travel is through a small regional airport.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class hiking, fishing, and wine tasting are minutes away.	Summers are HOT: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from July to September.
Tight-Knit Medical Community: You'll know other PTs and providers; networking is easy.	Limited Diversity: The population is less diverse than major coastal cities.

Final Recommendation:
Kennewick is an exceptional choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, home ownership, and a work-life balance centered on outdoor activities. It's ideal for PTs 2-10 years into their career, those looking to start a family, or anyone feeling priced out of larger markets. It may not be the best fit for those who crave the energy, anonymity, and cultural offerings of a major city. If you value community, affordability, and a strong professional network, Kennewick deserves your serious consideration.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new DPT graduates?
The market is moderately competitive. Large employers like Kadlec and Lourdes have formal residency programs for new grads. For outpatient private practices, they often prefer 1-2 years of experience. Your best strategy is to apply early (3-6 months before graduation) and consider starting in a hospital or home health role to gain experience.

2. Is the Tri-Cities area good for PTs with families?
Absolutely. It's considered one of the best places in Washington for families. Schools in the Kennewick School District (especially in neighborhoods like Kennewick Hill and Southridge) are well-rated. The cost of living allows for a single-income household if desired, though dual-income is common. There are abundant parks, sports leagues, and family-friendly events.

3. What's the real estate market like for a first-time homebuyer?
Very favorable. With a median price around $400,000, a PT earning the median salary can comfortably afford a 3-bedroom home. The inventory of starter homes is decent, and the market is less frenzied than in Seattle or Spokane. Get pre-approved and work with a local realtor who knows the medical district neighborhoods well.

4. Do I need to speak Spanish to work as a PT here?
While not a requirement, it is a significant asset. The Hispanic/Latino population in Kennewick is over 30%. Clinics highly value bilingual PTs for patient communication and outcomes. If you have Spanish proficiency, highlight it prominently in your applications.

5. What's the work-life balance like?
Generally excellent. This is not a city of 80-hour workweeks. Most outpatient clinics operate 8-5 or 9-6. Hospital roles have shifts, but overtime is not the norm. The short commutes (most under 15 minutes) give you more time for hiking the Badger Mountain Trail, cycling along the river, or visiting a winery after work. This balance is a primary reason many PTs choose to stay long-term.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Washington State Department of Health, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow Research, and local real estate market reports. Salary data is specific to the Kennewick metropolitan area as provided.