Now that you have finally finished college and you have that hard earned degree in Allied Health it’s time to start looking for that perfect job location. Unfortunately, in today’s economy, that may not be the easiest task to accomplish.
The good news is that there are several “hot spots” for your profession, and one of these may be just the spot you have been looking for.
So, do you like the hustle and bustle of a large, international city that caters to diplomats from all over the world? Then the ninth ranked Washington DC area is just the spot for you. The average salary for the DC Metro area for a Physical Therapist is $77K per year. However, living expenses in this area are very high with a one bedroom apartment starting at $1,500 a month. Public transportation is encouraged and available, which would allow you to live further out of the Metro area at a lower expense rate. The transportation expense is also included in some jobs as a perk.
Now, the number seven ranked “City by the Bay”, San Francisco, CA, of course, has a higher salary range and a lower apartment rental rate. You may even find a room-mate that would lower your cost considerably. Public transportation is readily available and there are so many shops and interesting sites to see on your time off. Who could resist Chinatown, Little Italy, or the world famous Golden Gate Bridge?
Albuquerque, NM, which is ranked as number 15, offers a healthy starting salary at $67,000 per year, and the cost of living is very low. A one bedroom apartment near the medical center or Kirkland Air Force Base can often be found for less than $700 per month. Because of its desert setting, Albuquerque's climate is sunny and dry, with low humidity. There are more than 300 days of beautiful blue skies with brilliant sunshine with extended cloudiness being the rare occurrence. There are four distinct seasons, but compared to the extremes that occur more commonly in other parts of the country, Albuquerque is considered a “perfect” place to live.
The number one city for allied health jobs is considered to be Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. Starting salaries are in the $70K area, and a one bedroom apartment is a low $600. Dallas-Fort Worth has a growing medical community and more opportunities than most cities of its size for a newly graduated Physical Therapist. If you enjoy good food, good company, and a southern way of life, then this is definitely the place for you to be. There are plenty of things to do and see, a cultural way of life that is interesting and yet you can be out of the city and in rolling hills in just a short period of time. Dallas-Fort Worth is a true metropolitan city worthy of anyone’s taste in music, arts, and the theater. Is it the right place for you?