Physical Therapist in Oklahoma City, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Oklahoma City Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Oklahoma City offers a compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for Physical Therapists (PTs). The metro area’s median salary for PTs is $97,017/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.64/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, it’s a strong figure when you factor in our lower living costs. The job market is robust, with 1,405 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a healthy 10-year job growth projection of 14%, indicating steady demand.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages within the OKC metro:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	OKC Median Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$82,000 - $90,000	Often in acute care or outpatient ortho; hospital systems are common starters.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$95,000 - $105,000	Full caseload autonomy; may lead to specialized roles or clinic management.
Senior/Expert	9+ years	$105,000 - $120,000+	Often in niche specialties, academia, or direct supervisory/management roles.

Data compiled from BLS OES data and local job postings.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

• Tulsa (Metro Pop: ~1.03M): Slightly higher median salary (approx. $98,500), but higher cost of living. Comparable job density.
• Lawton (Metro Pop: ~127,000): Lower median salary (approx. $88,000) and fewer job openings, but with a very low cost of living.
• Norman (Part of OKC Metro): Salaries align with OKC metro average, with a strong presence of University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Commute is manageable.

Insider Tip: The $97,017 median is a solid baseline. Specialties like pelvic health, vestibular rehab, or pediatrics can push you into the $110,000+ range in OKC, especially if you’re credentialed with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be direct: your paycheck goes further in OKC than in most major metros. With a median salary of $97,017, your take-home pay after an estimated 25% for taxes (including federal, state, and FICA) will be roughly $6,063/month. Our average 1BR rent is $884/month, leaving you with a significant cushion.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single PT, Median Salary)

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Salary	$8,085	$97,017 / 12
Estimated Taxes (25%)	-$2,021	Varies by deductions. OK has a progressive income tax (0.5-5%).
Net Take-Home	$6,064
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$884	Median across metro.
Utilities, Internet	-$150	Our winters can be cold; heating bills matter.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential. OKC is a car-dependent city.
Groceries & Food	-$350	Cost of Living Index is 91.0 (US=100).
Student Loans/Debt	-$300	Adjust based on your situation.
Health Insurance	-$200	Often covered by employer, but estimate here.
Retirement (401k)	-$405	5% of gross.
Remaining Discretionary	$1,325	For savings, travel, hobbies, etc.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Oklahoma City metro is approximately $265,000. With your median salary and the lower cost of living, a 20% down payment ($53,000) is achievable with disciplined saving over 3-5 years. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would keep your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) under $1,800, which is manageable on your budget. Neighborhoods like The Village, Warr Acres, or parts of Moore offer good starter home options.

Insider Tip: Many local health systems (like INTEGRIS or OU Health) offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment assistance—ask about these during job interviews. They can be a game-changer for new grads.

Where the Jobs Are: Oklahoma City's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by large health systems, but there's a growing private practice scene. Here are the key players:

1. OU Health (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center): The state's premier academic medical center. They have a massive PT department across multiple clinics and hospitals. Great for new grads seeking mentorship and specialty exposure (e.g., neuro, ortho). Hiring is continuous, especially for residency programs.
2. INTEGRIS Health: Oklahoma's largest not-for-profit health system. Major facilities include INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Canadian Valley. They have a strong outpatient ortho and home health division. They often hire in clusters post-graduation.
3. SSM Health (St. Anthony): Another major system with a central hospital and numerous outpatient clinics. Known for a strong culture and good benefits. They are actively expanding their outpatient network in the south side (Moore, Norman area).
4. Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City: Part of the national Mercy system. Their acute care PT is highly respected. They also have a growing network of outpatient clinics. Good for those seeking a balance of hospital and community-based care.
5. Physical Therapy & Orthopedic Center (PTOC): A large, well-established local private practice. Multiple locations across the metro. Known for a fast-paced, high-volume outpatient ortho environment. Often a first stop for new grads.
6. Oklahoma Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: A federal employer offering competitive benefits and a different pace of care. Hiring can be slower due to government processes but is stable and offers excellent pension potential.
7. BancFirst Tower & Midtown Clinics: A cluster of private practices and specialty clinics in the downtown/midtown area. This is where you'll find niche practices focusing on pelvic health, vestibular, and sports rehab.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push toward home health and home-based outpatient services due to our aging population and rural outreach. Telehealth is also growing, especially for follow-ups and education. Private practices are competing for talent, sometimes offering signing bonuses or productivity incentives.

Insider Tip: Look beyond the big hospitals. The suburbs (Edmond, Yukon, Mustang) are expanding rapidly, and community clinics there often have less turnover and a more personal feel.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma's licensure process is managed by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OBMLS). It's straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisdictional Exam: Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam (a state-specific ethics and law test).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application with fees to the OBMLS.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: ~$150 (non-refundable)
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50
• Background Check: ~$50
• NPTE Fee: ~$485 (paid to FSBPT)
• Total Estimated Cost: $735+ (not including travel for the NPTE if needed).

Timeline for a New Graduate:

• Months 1-2 (Post-Grad): Study for and pass the NPTE.
• Month 3: Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam online.
• Month 4: Submit application, get fingerprints, wait for board review (can take 2-4 weeks).
• Month 5-6: Receive license. Total time: 4-6 months.

Insider Tip: Start the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam studying while you're still in school. It's an online, open-book test, but knowing the state's specific rules on supervision and direct access (which is limited in OK) is crucial.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Midtown/Downtown: Walkable, vibrant, with great restaurants and nightlife. Close to OU Health and many private clinics. Commute: Easy to most jobs. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300. Best for: Young professionals, those who want a social scene without a long commute.
2. The Village/MacArthur Area: Central, safe, and quiet. Established neighborhoods with older homes and some apartments. Excellent access to I-235 and I-40. Commute: 10-15 mins to downtown hospitals. Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,000. Best for: Those seeking balance—quiet living with easy access to everything.
3. Edmond (North OKC): Suburban, family-oriented, with top-rated public schools. Home to INTEGRIS Edmond and many outpatient clinics. Commute: 20-30 mins to downtown in rush hour. Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,200. Best for: PTs starting families or who prefer a suburban vibe with strong community amenities.
4. Moore/South OKC: Affordable, growing, and close to SSM Health and Norman. More single-family home options. Commute: 20-25 mins to central OKC. Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950. Best for: New grads or those looking to buy a home quickly. Lower rent means faster savings.
5. The Paseo Arts District: Eclectic, artistic, and unique. Close to downtown but with a distinct character. Commute: 5-10 mins. Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,150. Best for: The creative PT who values walkability and local art scene.

Insider Tip: Traffic in OKC is generally manageable, but I-35 north from Moore and I-40 west from Yukon can get congested during rush hour. If you’re working at OU Health, living north of the river (like The Village) can cut your commute dramatically compared to living in the southern suburbs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in OKC doesn’t have to plateau. The city supports growth through its hospitals and university.

Specialty Premiums: While base salaries are competitive, specialized skills are where you see significant jumps.

• Pelvic Health: In high demand, especially with women’s health clinics at OU Health and private practices. Premium of $10,000-$15,000 over base.
• Vestibular/Neuro: Growing with the aging population. Found at OU Health and INTEGRIS. Can add $8,000-$12,000.
• Sports Rehab: Strong in private practice (e.g., PTOC, clinics near the Thunder practice facility). Premiums tied to productivity.

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Ladder: Most systems (OU, INTEGRIS) have a clinical ladder (e.g., PT I, II, III) with increasing pay and responsibility.
• Management: Clinic director or rehab manager roles (often require 5+ years). Pay can reach $110,000+.
• Education & Research: Academic roles at OU Health (requires a DPT and often a PhD or advanced residency). Salaries vary widely.
• Private Practice Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. OKC has a supportive environment for small business owners, though it comes with risk.

10-Year Outlook: With 14% job growth, demand will outpace supply, especially for specialists. The shift toward value-based care and outpatient settings will continue. PTs who embrace technology (telehealth, EMR optimization) and business acumen will have the upper hand. The aging Oklahoma population ensures long-term stability.

Insider Tip: Get involved with the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association (OPTA). Attending annual conferences is the best way to network, find mentors, and learn about emerging specialties before they become mainstream.

The Verdict: Is Oklahoma City Right for You?

Oklahoma City is a pragmatic, affordable choice for Physical Therapists. It offers a solid salary where your money goes far, a stable and growing job market, and a manageable, friendly environment. It’s not a coastal tech hub, but it’s a place where you can build a comfortable life and a sustainable career without being crushed by debt.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living & Rent	Car-dependent; limited public transit
Strong Job Market (14% Growth)	Nightlife/arts scene is growing but not on par with major metros
Manageable Commutes	Summers are hot and can be dry; tornado season (spring) is a reality
Friendly, Community-Oriented Culture	State politics can be polarizing; limited in-state travel options
Excellent Career Starter	Fewer high-profile specialty centers than in larger cities

Final Recommendation:
If you are a new grad or mid-career PT looking to maximize your income-to-expense ratio, buy a home early, and work in a stable environment with strong employer networks, Oklahoma City is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for those in orthopedics, acute care, or home health. If you require a bustling, 24/7 urban culture or are a dedicated niche specialist wanting to be at the forefront of research, you might find more opportunity in a larger metro. For most PTs, though, OKC offers a balanced, fulfilling, and financially smart career path.

FAQs

Q: What’s the job market like for new DPT graduates in OKC?
A: Very active. Major systems like OU Health and INTEGRIS regularly hire new grads into residency programs or staff PT roles. Private practices also hire frequently. Competition exists, but the high number of openings (1,405) means opportunities are there. Having a strong clinical rotation network in Oklahoma is a plus.

Q: Is Oklahoma’s direct access law favorable for PTs?
A: Limited. Oklahoma has a "physician referral required" law, meaning patients generally need a referral from a doctor, chiropractor, or other qualified provider to see a PT. This differs from full direct-access states. However, a recent law allows PTs to perform spinal manipulation, which is a step forward. You must understand this rule to avoid billing issues.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
A: It’s a relief. Groceries, gas, and utilities are noticeably cheaper than the national average. A nice dinner for two can be under $80. The median rent of $884 means you can live comfortably without roommates on a median salary. You’ll feel financially secure faster than in most other metros.

Q: What’s the work-life balance like?
A: Generally excellent. Most outpatient clinics have standard business hours (8-5 or 9-6). Hospital PTs may have some weekend rotations, but it’s less intense than in bigger cities. The culture is family-oriented. Many PTs I know have time for hobbies, outdoor activities at Lake Hefner or the Boathouse District, and weekend trips.

Q: Are there opportunities for side income or PRN work?
A: Definitely. The high demand means clinics and hospitals often need PRN (as-needed) staff, especially evenings and weekends. You can easily pick up extra shifts for $50-$60/hour. Home health is also an option for PRN work, though it requires more travel.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES Data, May 2023), Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, Oklahoma City Metro Chamber, Zillow Rent Data, BestPlaces Cost of Living Index.