Salary, education, and managerial-level differences of physical therapists in Maryland

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences existed between a random sample of male and female physical therapists on selected factors. These factors included salary, managerial level, number of courses taken in management or administration, years of work experience in physical therapy, and years of seniority in an organization. A self-reported questionnaire was sent to 400 licensed physical therapists in Maryland who were also American Physical Therapy Association members. Data were analyzed on the 244 respondents using chi-square tests, t tests, and critical ratios. Results showed that female physical therapists, when employed full time in Maryland as department managers, on average, earned significantly less than their male counterparts. A significant difference existed between male and female department managers for full-time work experience in physical therapy. Neither the number of management courses taken nor seniority in an organization were significantly different for male and female physical therapists, regardless of managerial level. Conclusions were that differences existed on several factors between male and female physical therapy department managers and that schools preparing physical therapists for entry into the profession should assess the need for management preparation.