Introduction
If you’re a Physical Therapist looking to grow your career in the Midwest, Milwaukee, WI offers a compelling mix of professional opportunity, culture, and community. Known for its vibrant arts scene, lakefront access, and growing healthcare sector, Milwaukee presents a strong market for Physical Therapy professionals. In this post, we’ll explore the job market for Physical Therapists in Milwaukee, share salary and outlook data, highlight top local employers, discuss what it’s like to live and work here, and point you to how you can land your next role in this area.
Physical Therapy Job Market in Milwaukee
Demand & Job Opportunities
There are hundreds of open Physical Therapist roles in the Milwaukee area. This indicates a healthy demand for PT professionals across outpatient, inpatient, home health, and other care settings.
Salary Trends & Outlook
- According to Salary.com, a Physical Therapist in Milwaukee earns on average about $106,101 annually (~$51/hour) as of July 2025. Salary.com+1
- Other sources (Glassdoor) suggest median total pay around $99,269/year, with ranges from about $87K to $136K depending on experience. Glassdoor
- Entry-level Physical Therapists in Milwaukee start at around $70,656/year, with variation depending on setting and experience. Salary.com
- These numbers show that Milwaukee offers competitive compensation compared to many markets, especially for candidates with specialization or years of experience.
Special Considerations
- Salary varies by setting: outpatient clinics, home health, inpatient rehab, and specialty areas (neuro, pediatrics, sports) may pay differently.
- Cost of living in Milwaukee is moderate compared to many major U.S. metros, so the compensation can go further.
- Experience, certification, and specialization (e.g., neurological rehab, sports PT) can boost your earning potential in the region.
- The local healthcare market is robust: Many large hospital systems and rehab providers are based in or around Milwaukee, driving demand for skilled PTs.
Top Employers for Physical Therapists in Milwaukee
Here are some of the leading employers in the Milwaukee region for Physical Therapy professionals:
These employers represent just a sample of the strong PT job market in Milwaukee; many outpatient clinics, home-health agencies and specialty therapy centers are also active in hiring.
Living and Working in Milwaukee
Milwaukee combines the feel of a mid-sized city with big-city amenities. As a PT professional, you’ll benefit from:
- A reasonable cost of living compared to larger metros, enabling a better quality of life.
- A rich healthcare and medical-service ecosystem: multiple hospitals, rehab centers, clinics, and home health providers.
- Lifestyle perks: Lake Michigan access, cultural offerings (museums, music festivals), strong local neighborhoods, and easy commutes.
- Professional growth opportunities: With major healthcare systems and rehab providers, there are chances for specialization, leadership roles, and continuing education.
- A community where Physical Therapy plays an important role: due to aging population, rehabilitation demand, sports medicine and outpatient therapy growth.
When you work in Milwaukee as a Physical Therapist, you'll find both career-driving opportunities and a livable environment.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Milwaukee
Ready to take the next step? Browse our site for current Physical Therapist job openings tailored to Milwaukee and submit your resume today!
Make sure your resume highlights your experience in relevant settings (inpatient rehab, outpatient ortho, home health, neuro, etc.), any certifications you hold (e.g., Board Certified Specialist, etc.), and your commitment to patient-centered Physical Therapy. Highlight your flexibility (weekend/outpatient shifts), teamwork skills, and ability to treat a variety of patient populations — all important in the Milwaukee market.
Conclusion
Milwaukee, WI is a strong market for Physical Therapists. With competitive salaries (often around $100K+ for experienced PTs), a wide array of employers, and a high quality of life, it’s a compelling option for PT professionals looking to grow. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking advancement in a specialization or leadership path, Milwaukee offers opportunity and community.