Highest Paying States for Aquatic Physical Therapy Certification in 2026
Aquatic physical therapy is a specialized field where therapists use water-based techniques to treat patients, enhancing mobility and reducing pain. As of 2026, the average salary for certified aquatic physical therapists across the United States stands at $63,937 annually, with a national median significantly higher at $101,020. This disparity in earnings highlights the importance of location in determining salary, influenced by factors such as cost of living, demand for services, and state-specific economic conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying States
California leads the pack with an annual salary of $79,630, influenced by its high cost of living and substantial demand for specialized healthcare services. Texas follows with $75,960, benefiting from a growing healthcare sector and a large aging population. Massachusetts offers $75,160, where high living costs and a well-established healthcare system boost salaries. Maryland and Georgia round out the top five, offering $73,400 and $73,120 respectively, driven by their strategic focus on healthcare advancements and regional demand.
5 Lowest Paying States
South Dakota presents the lowest salary at $52,730, reflecting its lower cost of living and smaller population. Hawaii, despite its high living costs, pays $57,710, possibly due to limited healthcare resources and geographic isolation. Nebraska and North Dakota offer slightly better at $57,790 and $58,520 respectively, with their rural landscapes influencing lower wages. Iowa follows closely with $58,700, where the cost of living and demand for specialized services remain moderate.
What Affects Aquatic Physical Therapy Certification Salary?
Salaries in aquatic physical therapy are influenced by several factors including years of experience, work setting, and additional specializations. Therapists in urban settings or specialized facilities often earn more due to higher demand and cost of services. Furthermore, those who accumulate overtime hours can significantly increase their annual earnings.
Salary Comparison Table
The following table provides a detailed look at the median annual and hourly wages for aquatic physical therapists across all states:
| State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,630 | $38.28 |
| Texas | $75,960 | $36.52 |
| Massachusetts | $75,160 | $36.13 |
| Maryland | $73,400 | $35.29 |
| Georgia | $73,120 | $35.15 |
| Nevada | $72,650 | $34.93 |
| Connecticut | $72,170 | $34.70 |
| New Jersey | $70,160 | $33.73 |
| District of Columbia | $69,650 | $33.48 |
| New Hampshire | $69,110 | $33.23 |
| Washington | $67,470 | $32.44 |
| Vermont | $66,630 | $32.03 |
| Virginia | $65,840 | $31.65 |
| Florida | $65,710 | $31.59 |
| South Carolina | $65,010 | $31.26 |
| Arkansas | $64,790 | $31.15 |
| Colorado | $64,180 | $30.85 |
| Oregon | $64,040 | $30.79 |
| Oklahoma | $64,020 | $30.78 |
| Alaska | $63,430 | $30.49 |
| Illinois | $63,200 | $30.38 |
| Delaware | $63,190 | $30.38 |
| North Carolina | $63,170 | $30.37 |
| Arizona | $62,790 | $30.19 |
| Indiana | $62,710 | $30.15 |
| Rhode Island | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| Mississippi | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| New York | $61,930 | $29.77 |
| Wisconsin | $61,730 | $29.68 |
| Tennessee | $61,600 | $29.62 |
| Ohio | $61,540 | $29.59 |
| Montana | $61,410 | $29.53 |
| Missouri | $61,310 | $29.48 |
| Kansas | $61,160 | $29.40 |
| Kentucky | $61,080 | $29.36 |
| Minnesota | $60,980 | $29.32 |
| Utah | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| Louisiana | $60,790 | $29.23 |
| Michigan | $60,780 | $29.22 |
| Alabama | $60,490 | $29.08 |
| New Mexico | $60,090 | $28.89 |
| West Virginia | $60,010 | $28.85 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| Idaho | $59,660 | $28.68 |
| Maine | $59,350 | $28.53 |
| Wyoming | $58,940 | $28.34 |
| Iowa | $58,700 | $28.22 |
| North Dakota | $58,520 | $28.13 |
| Nebraska | $57,790 | $27.78 |
| Hawaii | $57,710 | $27.74 |
| South Dakota | $52,730 | $25.35 |
Regional Patterns
Analyzing regional trends, the West and Northeast regions generally offer higher salaries, attributed to their higher cost of living and concentrated urban centers. In contrast, the Midwest and parts of the South tend to show lower salary figures, correlating with their generally lower cost of living and rural settings.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
To maximize earnings in aquatic physical therapy, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and seeking employment in urban centers or states with higher salary averages. Networking and continuous professional development also play crucial roles in career advancement.
Bottom Line
While the salary for aquatic physical therapists varies widely across the United States, understanding regional differences and factors influencing pay can help professionals strategically advance their careers and maximize their earning potential.
Related Credentials
CredentialGuide Editorial Team
Data-driven career guidance for vocational professionals.
Ready to Get Started?
Talk to a career counselor who can help you choose the right credential and training program for your goals.
Want to Talk to a Career Counselor?
Get personalized guidance on training programs, licensing requirements, and career opportunities.
Are You a Training Provider?
List your programs on CredentialGuide and connect with students actively researching training options in your area.