Physical Therapist in Redmond, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Physical Therapists considering a move to Redmond, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a Physical Therapist (PT) in Redmond, you’re working in a high-demand, high-cost market. The compensation here reflects the blend of major tech employers and a dense population with active, fitness-focused lifestyles. The median salary for a PT in Redmond is $103,598/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.81/hour. This comfortably exceeds the national average of $99,710/year, a premium you’ll pay for in the form of higher living expenses.

The job market is stable but competitive. There are approximately 160 Physical Therapist jobs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 14%, which is on par with the national average for the field. The key here isn’t just the number of jobs, but the quality and type of employers, which we’ll explore in detail.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, setting, and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Redmond market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2	$85,000 - $95,000
Mid-Career	3-7	$95,000 - $112,000
Senior	8-15	$112,000 - $128,000
Expert/Specialist	15+	$128,000 - $145,000+

Note: These are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Specializations like pelvic health, sports medicine, or pediatric therapy can command salaries at the upper end of these ranges.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

To understand Redmond's place in the Washington State landscape, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other major metro areas. While Seattle offers more volume, Redmond's proximity and specific employer base create a unique profile.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Vibe
Redmond	$103,598	113.0	Tech-influenced, stable, specialized
Seattle	$105,000*	152.4	High volume, high competition, diverse
Spokane	$92,450*	94.5	Lower cost, broader patient demographic
Tacoma	$95,800*	110.2	Growing, mix of industrial & healthcare

Salary figures for other cities are approximate based on BLS metro area data for "Physical Therapists." Redmond's data comes from the specific local figures provided.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest salary. A $105,000 salary in Seattle is eroded by the significantly higher cost of living. Redmond offers a strong balance, especially if you can secure a role with one of its premier employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Redmond’s median salary of $103,598 sounds great, but after taxes and some of the highest rent in the state, your take-home pay tells a different story. The Cost of Living Index of 113.0 means you're paying 13% more than the national average for goods and services.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single PT earning the median salary. We'll use the standard "30% rule" for housing, but we'll also show a more realistic scenario for Redmond.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, state/federal taxes, and standard deductions. (Take-home is estimated at ~68% of gross pay).

Category	30% Ideal Budget (Based on Take-Home)	Realistic Redmond Budget	Notes
Monthly Gross Income	$8,633	$8,633	Based on $103,598/year
Monthly Take-Home	~$5,870	~$5,870	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR)	$1,761	$1,864	$1,864 is the city average
Utilities	$200	$200	Includes electricity, gas, internet
Groceries	$350	$400	Higher due to local costs
Transportation	$250	$300	Gas, insurance, transit pass
Healthcare	$200	$250	Insurance premiums & copays
Debt/Student Loans	$300	$400	Common for PTs with DPT degrees
Personal/Misc.	$300	$400	Entertainment, clothes, etc.
Savings/Investments	$2,509	$2,056	This is your leftover.

The Bottom Line: While you can afford to live comfortably, the 30% housing rule is difficult to adhere to here. You're looking at spending closer to 32% of your take-home pay on rent. This leaves a solid amount for savings (~$2,000/month), but it requires disciplined budgeting.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in Redmond is approximately $1.2 million. Let's do the math:

• 20% Down Payment: $240,000
• Monthly Mortgage (PITI): ~$5,500 - $6,000

A single PT earning the median salary of $103,598 would need a down payment of over two years' worth of gross income, and a monthly housing cost that would consume 90-100% of their take-home pay. This is not feasible solo.

Insider Tip: Homeownership in Redmond is typically a two-income household goal. Many local PTs rent in Redmond or nearby neighborhoods (like Juanita or Kirkland) and save aggressively, often partnering with a spouse or partner in the tech industry to buy later. Alternatively, some choose to buy in more affordable suburbs like Everett or Auburn and commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond's healthcare landscape is unique. It's dominated by a mix of hospital systems, large private practices, and corporate on-site clinics—many serving the tech workforce. Here are the key players:

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: The primary hospital in Redmond. They have a robust outpatient rehab department and inpatient rehab services. Overlake is expanding, and they frequently hire for orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health PTs. Hiring is steady, with a focus on candidates with acute care experience.

2. Providence Health & Services (Swedish/Overlake): While Swedish's main campus is in Seattle, their influence is strong. They partner with Overlake and run several specialty clinics. Providence is a major employer with excellent benefits and clear career ladders. They value clinical specialization.

3. The Seattle Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente): Kaiser has a large medical center in nearby Bellevue and clinics across the Eastside. They are a top-tier employer with competitive pay, great benefits, and a focus on integrated care. Jobs here are coveted and often require strong clinical reasoning and documentation skills.

4. Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Private Practices: Redmond is a hub for active individuals. Look for practices like ProSport PT or Therapeutic Associates (which has a Redmond location). These clinics cater to athletes, weekend warriors, and post-surgical patients. They often offer performance-based bonuses and a fast-paced environment.

5. Corporate On-Site Clinics: This is a Redmond-specific niche. Large tech companies like Microsoft and Meta (which has a significant presence in Redmond) sometimes have on-site health clinics or partner with external providers for their employees. These roles can be highly lucrative, focusing on ergonomics, repetitive strain injuries, and wellness. Networking is key here.

6. Pediatric Therapy Centers: With many young families in Redmond, pediatric clinics are always in need. Therapy Solutions and ChildStrive are major employers. These roles require patience and specialized training (e.g., NDT, SI therapy) but can be incredibly rewarding.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for PTs with pelvic health and vestibular rehabilitation certifications. Practices are also seeking therapists comfortable with telehealth and cash-based services for niche populations.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State requires a specific license to practice as a PT. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
2. National Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Washington State jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of state laws and regulations.
4. Application: Submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This includes background checks, fees, and sending official transcripts.
5. Timeline: From passing the NPTE to receiving your license, it typically takes 4-8 weeks. If you need to take the jurisprudence exam, add another 2-3 weeks of study time.
6. Costs:
   • NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
   • Washington Jurisprudence Exam: ~$150
   • License Application Fee: ~$235
   • Total Estimated Cost: ~$870 (not including travel or study materials).

Insider Tip: Start your Washington license application as soon as you have a job offer. The process can be delayed by missing documents. Also, Washington is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). If you hold a license in another compact state (like Oregon, Colorado, or Utah), you can get a Washington "compact privilege" much faster and cheaper. This is a huge advantage for interstate movers.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live in Redmond depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top neighborhoods for PTs:

1. Downtown Redmond: The epicenter. You're close to Overlake Hospital, Microsoft, and a vibrant downtown with restaurants and parks. Commute to most jobs is a walk or short drive.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,300
   • Best For: Those who want an urban, walkable lifestyle and minimal commute.

2. Education Hill: A quieter, residential area with excellent schools and larger homes. It's centrally located and provides easy access to both Redmond and neighboring Kirkland.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,100
   • Best For: PTs with families or those seeking a quiet, suburban feel.

3. Overlake: Adjacent to the hospital and Microsoft campus. It's a mix of older homes and newer apartments. The commute to tech jobs or hospital shifts is unbeatable.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,200
   • Best For: Hospital employees and those working for tech companies on-site.

4. Juanita (Kirkland): Just west of Redmond, Juanita offers a more relaxed vibe with a beautiful lakefront and a strong sense of community. The commute to Redmond is 10-15 minutes via SR-520.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,850 - $2,150
   • Best For: PTs who want a slightly lower cost of living (marginally) and a more community-focused neighborhood.

5. Sammamish (Eastern Edge): Technically its own city, but many work in Redmond. It's more affluent, with newer housing and top-rated schools. The commute can be longer due to traffic on SR-202.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,400
   • Best For: Those prioritizing school districts and a quiet, upscale environment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A PT career in Redmond isn't just about a steady job; it's about strategic specialization.

Specialty Premiums: While base salaries are solid, additional certifications can boost your earnings by 10-20%. The most valued in the Redmond area are:

• Pelvic Health Specialist (CAPP): +15-20% premium. High demand for pelvic floor dysfunction, especially in the postpartum and athlete populations.
• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): +10-15% premium. The standard for sports and orthopedic clinics.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): +10-15% premium. Sought after by Overlake's inpatient rehab and home health agencies.
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS): +5-10% premium. Valuable in sports medicine and corporate wellness settings.

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical: Move from a generalist to a specialist, then to a lead clinician or clinical director role within a practice.
• Management: Transition to clinic manager, regional director, or director of rehab services (common at Overlake and Providence).
• Entrepreneurial: Many experienced PTs in Redmond start their own cash-based practice focusing on niche areas like running gait analysis, TRX training, or pelvic health. The affluent, active population is willing to pay out-of-pocket for specialized, high-quality care.
• Education: Teach as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington's DPT program or at local community colleges.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth ensures demand. However, the landscape will shift. Telehealth integration will be standard. PTs who can blend hands-on skills with tech-based outcomes tracking will be most valuable. The aging of the baby boomer population will sustain demand for geriatric and orthopedic care, while the active, younger population will drive sports and wellness specialties.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Redmond offers a high-quality career for Physical Therapists, but it comes with trade-offs. Here’s a balanced look.

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary ($103,598 median) compared to national average.	High cost of living, especially housing ($1,864 avg rent).
Stable, growing job market with diverse employers (hospital, private practice, tech).	Competitive job market for the best positions at top employers.
Access to world-class specialization opportunities and continuing education.	Homeownership is a major challenge for a single income earner.
Outdoor lifestyle with endless trails, parks, and access to mountains and water.	Traffic congestion on SR-520 and I-405 can impact commute times.
Proximity to Seattle for cultural events and a larger dating/social pool.	"Eastside bubble" can feel less diverse than Seattle proper.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who are:

• Specialists or aspiring specialists: The market rewards and pays for advanced skills.
• Outdoor enthusiasts: You'll have the income and location to enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports.
• Career-focused but value work-life balance: The job market is stable, allowing you to build a long-term career without the constant churn of some larger cities.
• Part of a dual-income household: This is the key to achieving major financial goals like homeownership.

It may be a challenging fit for:

• Early-career PTs on a tight budget, unless they have roommates or a high-earning partner.
• Those seeking a low-stress, low-competition environment. The pace here is fast and expectations are high.
• Anyone who dislikes tech-centric culture. The influence of companies like Microsoft is pervasive.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know tech to get a job in Redmond?
No, but it helps. You don't need coding skills, but understanding the ergonomic issues common in desk jobs (like carpal tunnel, neck pain, and back strain) will make you a more attractive candidate for corporate wellness roles and private practices that serve tech employees.

2. How long does it take to get licensed in Washington if I'm moving from another state?
If you're coming from a PT Compact member state, you can get a compact privilege in 2-4 weeks. If not, the full licensure process typically takes 4-8 weeks after submitting your application. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer.

3. Is it possible to work in both Redmond and Seattle?
Yes, but the commute via SR-520 can be brutal during rush hour (30-45+ minutes). Many PTs choose to work primarily in one location. Some split time between a Redmond clinic and a Seattle-based practice, but this requires careful scheduling.

**4. What's the best way to