PT Salary Misconception?

[fuzzypt]

Hey guys. I'm usually lurking around the forums and I saw that a lot of people here say that a PT's salary is around 58k, which isn't that GREAT of a salary but is still decent for a comfortable lifestyle. So I have a question about this.

I did my own research and I came to this site:

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm

The site that most people probably see for PT salaries is:

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=DPT/Salary

Based the government website, a PT's salary is around 72k. But based on payscale, a PT's salary is 58k. So which one is it?

Also, to alleviate some people's worries, a PT's salary has gone up by about 5k in 2 years. Proof? If you go here:

http://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_dl.htm

Download the excel sheets and see the change in PT's salaries in a state. I looked at New York's and it went from 67k (2006) to 73k (2008).

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[Akiramay]

Wow, there's such a huge discrepancy between the two salaries. I've been wondering about this too!

 

[soccer31]

Does anyone know where payscale get their data from? How did they come up with that number?

 

[MIDPT2012]

Does anyone know where payscale get their data from? How did they come up with that number?

I believe the payscale data is via people self-reporting on the website. If you look at the chart it indicates number of people reporting. I also researched my current job and location, and saw the sample size was much smaller.

The Dept of Labor one is more accurate, it's based on companies payroll filings. Another site to use is salary.com

 

[PharmDan2]

I definitely think there is a misconception. The average in my state of Fl is around $77k - and each PT i speak to that is in outpatient centers don't make less than $70k. My friend who is a recent grad took a job at a private outpatient right outta school for $72k.

 

[xMerryx]

Also I remember reading in one of those sites, different form the Dept. of labor (long time ago, so I can't remember which on) that they do not separate part time from full time so that also, can bring the average to a lower number