Physical Therapist in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

Tulsa offers a compelling salary proposition for Physical Therapists, especially when you factor in the city's low cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Tulsa metro area is $96,569/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.43. While this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, the financial reality in Tulsa is far more favorable than in many larger coastal metros. The Tulsa metro supports 821 jobs for Physical Therapists, with a robust 10-year job growth projection of 14%, indicating a stable and expanding market.

To understand where you might fall on this spectrum, here’s a typical experience-based breakdown for the Tulsa area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Tulsa Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level / New Grad	0-2 years	$80,000 - $90,000	Often starts in hospital systems or large outpatient clinics.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$90,000 - $105,000	Specialization (e.g., ortho, neuro) begins to impact pay.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$105,000 - $120,000	Often involves clinic management, mentoring, or niche specialties.
Expert / Specialist	15+ years	$120,000+	Pelvic health, vestibular, or pediatric specialists in high demand.

When comparing to other Oklahoma cities, Tulsa holds a strong position. Oklahoma City (OKC) has a larger job market (1,200+ jobs) but salaries are comparable, with the median sitting around $97,000. The key differentiator is cost of living. OKC's average 1BR rent is approximately $1,100/month, compared to Tulsa's $900/month. This means your $96,569 salary goes significantly further in Tulsa. Smaller Oklahoma markets like Lawton or Enid offer lower salaries (median ~$88,000) and fewer opportunities for career advancement.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Tulsa employers, especially the major hospital systems, offer strong benefits packages that include tuition reimbursement, continuing education stipends (often $2,000-$3,000/year), and robust retirement matching, which can add 10-15% to your total compensation value.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the financial reality of living in Tulsa on the median salary. For this exercise, we'll assume a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and the 2024 federal tax brackets (Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a PT Earning $96,569/Year:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,047
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,400
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,647
• Average 1BR Rent: -$900
• Remaining Monthly Budget: ~$4,747

This remaining $4,747 must cover utilities ($150), groceries ($400), car payment/insurance ($500), health insurance (if employer-paid premium is not 100%), student loans, and entertainment. The cost of living index in Tulsa is 89.5 (US avg = 100), meaning goods and services are about 10.5% cheaper than the national average. This stretches your dollar further, particularly for dining, services, and transportation.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a strong credit score, a $96,569 salary can support a mortgage on a home in the $250,000 - $300,000 range, which is well within the median home price for many Tulsa neighborhoods. A 20% down payment on a $275,000 home is $55,000, which is a significant but achievable savings goal with disciplined budgeting given the low rent costs. Many local lenders offer programs for healthcare professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa's healthcare sector is dominated by a few large systems, which collectively create the majority of PT jobs. Hiring trends currently favor those with orthopedic or outpatient experience, and there's growing demand for therapists in rural and suburban satellite clinics.

1. Saint Francis Health System: The largest employer in the state.他们的物理治疗部门遍布整个塔尔萨地区，包括他们的主要医院、运动医学诊所和他们的Rehabilitation Institute（康复研究所）。他们经常需要PTs来处理创伤、心脏康复和住院治疗病例。近期趋势：扩大他们的门诊肌肉骨骼诊所。
2. Ascension St. John: 一家主要的天主教医疗系统，在塔尔萨中部有一个大型医疗中心，并在城市周边有多个门诊诊所。他们以提供全面的康复服务而闻名，包括门诊和家庭健康。近期趋势：投资于门诊物理治疗，以应对人口老龄化。
3. Hillcrest HealthCare System: 拥有Hillcrest Medical Center和多个专科诊所。他们的物理治疗部门通常与他们的骨科和运动医学项目紧密合作。近期趋势：在布罗肯阿罗（Broken Arrow）和巴托尔斯维尔（Bartlesville）等增长的郊区开设新诊所。
4. Oklahoma Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center: 一家大型专科诊所，是许多寻求骨科物理治疗的PTs的首选雇主。他们以高患者量和使用先进技术而闻名。近期趋势：正在与大型系统建立合作伙伴关系，以提供更广泛的护理服务。
5. PT Solutions Physical Therapy: 一家全国性的物理治疗公司，在塔尔萨地区拥有多个地点。他们通常提供更具竞争力的薪酬和奖金结构，并专注于门诊骨科和运动医学。近期趋势：快速扩张，积极招聘经验丰富的PTs。
6. ** Tulsa Bone & Joint Associates:** 一家提供全面骨科护理的本地诊所，包括物理治疗。这是一个更小、更集中的工作环境，通常提供更紧密的团队动态。近期趋势：随着城市人口的增长，他们正在扩大其物理治疗部门。
7. OSU-Tulsa & OU-Tulsa: 该地区的大学也提供物理治疗服务，通常作为其教学诊所的一部分。这些职位可能涉及指导学生，适合那些对教育感兴趣的PTs。近期趋势：增加社区外展项目。

Getting Licensed in OK

To practice as a Physical Therapist in Oklahoma, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. The process is straightforward but requires careful planning.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program (Doctor of Physical Therapy, DPT).
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state laws and regulations.
4. Background Check: Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit the complete application with all required fees.

Timeline and Costs:

• Application Fee: ~$335 (non-refundable).
• NPTE Fee: ~$485 (paid to FSBPT).
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$100.
• Background Check Fee: ~$50.
• Total Initial Licensing Cost: Approximately $970.
• Timeline: Once you have passed the NPTE, the Oklahoma Board typically processes applications within 4-6 weeks. You can verify your application status online.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other compact member states to practice in Oklahoma without obtaining a separate license, provided they meet certain criteria. If you are coming from a compact state (like Texas, Missouri, or Kansas), this can significantly streamline your move.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing a neighborhood in Tulsa depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods that are popular with healthcare professionals:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
Midtown / Brookside	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Close to restaurants, parks, and the Tulsa Gathering Place. Easy access to downtown and midtown clinics.	10-15 mins to Saint Francis, St. John, & downtown offices.	$950 - $1,200
South Tulsa / Jenks	Family-friendly, suburban, with top-rated schools. A quieter lifestyle with easy highway access.	15-20 mins to Saint Francis South, Hillcrest, and many outpatient clinics.	$900 - $1,100
Broken Arrow	A large, independent suburb east of Tulsa. More affordable housing, good schools, and a strong sense of community.	20-25 mins to most major hospitals and clinics.	$800 - $1,000
Cherry Street / Gilcrease	Trendy, artsy, with a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. Close to the Gilcrease Museum and the River Parks.	10-15 mins to downtown and midtown employers.	$850 - $1,150
Bixby	Growing southern suburb with a small-town feel. Excellent schools and new housing developments.	20-30 mins to major employers, but closer to newer outpatient clinics.	$850 - $1,050

Insider Tip: If you're looking to buy, consider the Pearl District or Maple Ridge. These areas are seeing significant investment and revitalization, and their historic charm is attracting professionals. While home prices are rising, they are still far below national averages for similar areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Tulsa can take several paths, each with its own financial and professional rewards.

• Specialty Premiums: Pursuing certification in a high-demand specialty can boost your income by $10,000 - $25,000 annually. The most sought-after specialties in Tulsa are:
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): High demand in outpatient and sports medicine settings.
  • Pelvic Health PT: Extremely underserved area; those with certification can name their price.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Growing need with the aging population.
  • Pediatric PT: Needed in schools, early intervention, and hospital settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Track: Move from generalist to specialist, then to a lead clinician or director of a specialty department.
  2. Management Track: Become a Clinic Director or Administrator, overseeing operations, staff, and finances. This can push salary well over $120,000.
  3. Education & Academia: Work with programs at OSU-Tulsa or OU-Tulsa, or become a clinical instructor for new graduates.
  4. Private Practice: Open your own clinic. While risky, it offers the highest earning potential and autonomy. Tulsa's growing population supports new, niche practices.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 14% job growth and a aging population, the demand for PTs in Tulsa will remain strong. The focus will shift toward outpatient and preventative care. Therapists who adapt to telehealth platforms and maintain a broad skill set will be most resilient. The low cost of living provides a unique opportunity to invest in continuing education and build a financial safety net for future entrepreneurial ventures.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living.	Limited specialty options compared to larger metros (e.g., Los Angeles, NYC).
Stable job market with 821 jobs and 14% growth.	Cultural Opportunities: Fewer major concerts, sports, and art exhibitions than coastal cities.
Friendly, community-focused work environment.	Public Transportation: Limited; a car is a necessity.
Manageable commutes (typically under 25 mins).	Summer Heat: Can be intense, though AC is ubiquitous.
Outdoor access via the Arkansas River parks system.	Limited Diversity: Less international cuisine and cultural events than huge cities.
Strategic Location: Close to OKC, Dallas, and Kansas City for weekend trips.	Nightlife: More subdued than in larger cities.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, a comfortable lifestyle, and a strong sense of community. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Early-career PTs looking to pay down student debt quickly.
• Mid-career professionals seeking work-life balance and a family-friendly environment.
• Specialists in high-demand fields like pelvic health or orthopedics, who can command a premium.

If you crave the anonymity, extreme diversity, and 24/7 energy of a megacity, Tulsa may feel too quiet. But for those who value a manageable pace, tangible career growth, and a cost of living that lets you afford a home and a life, Tulsa presents a compelling and often overlooked opportunity.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a new graduate Physical Therapist in Tulsa?
The market is moderately competitive. While there are jobs, new grads are often competing against experienced therapists. Your best strategy is to complete clinical rotations in Tulsa employers if possible, network at local conferences (like the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association annual conference), and be willing to start in a less glamorous setting (e.g., home health or a rural clinic) to get your foot in the door.

2. Is it worth moving to Tulsa from a higher-paying state like California or New York?
It depends on your priorities. If you are burdened by high student debt and the cost of living in a coastal city, Tulsa can be a financial game-changer. A PT earning $96,569 in Tulsa has a similar or better quality of life than one earning $115,000 in a high-cost area. However, you must be comfortable with a different cultural and social pace.

3. What are the opportunities for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) in Tulsa?
PTAs are in strong demand in Tulsa. Their median salary is lower (around $58,000-$62,000), but they are essential to the care team in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. The cost of living makes a PTA salary very livable in Tulsa.

4. How easy is it to switch specialties after moving to Tulsa?
Very feasible. Many employers, especially Saint Francis and Ascension, offer internal continuing education and cross-training opportunities. You may need to take a pay cut initially or work extra hours to gain experience in a new specialty, but the network of therapists in Tulsa is collaborative, and there are often mentorship opportunities.

5. What's the best way to network with other PTs in Tulsa before I move?
Join the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association (OPTA) and attend their virtual and in-person events. Use LinkedIn to connect with therapists and managers at major employers like Saint Francis or PT Solutions. Don't be shy about sending a polite message asking for an informational interview about the local market.