Startup cost · investment
PT Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate total capital needed to launch a de novo PT clinic or acquire an existing practice.
Launching a PT clinic requires coordinated investment across buildout, treatment equipment, technology, and cash reserves. This calculator totals your expected investment and compares it to common PT startup ranges.
- Lean PT startup benchmark: $215K all-in
- Typical PT startup benchmark: $360K all-in
- Premium PT startup benchmark: $505K+ all-in
Built for physical therapists, operators, and lenders planning new clinic launches, expansions, or acquisitions.
Source: BizMetricsHQ 180+ physical therapy clinics (2025–2026). Methodology
Investment Line Items
Total Investment
$360,000
De novo startup · Typical
Startup Presets
Lean
$215,000
Smaller footprint, essential equipment, conservative launch budget
Typical
$360,000
Standard outpatient buildout with balanced equipment and reserves
Premium
$505,000
Larger clinic, premium finishes, expanded equipment and staffing runway
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a physical therapy clinic?
Many de novo outpatient PT clinics launch between $215K and $505K all-in, with a typical setup around $360K. Final cost depends on square footage, local buildout costs, equipment mix, and opening payroll runway.
What are the biggest startup cost categories for PT clinics?
Leasehold improvements and equipment are typically the largest categories, followed by working capital. Most operators also budget for software, licensing, and launch marketing so the clinic can ramp referrals quickly.
How much working capital should a new PT clinic hold?
Many owners target 3–6 months of core operating expenses in working capital. This buffer helps cover payroll and occupancy while patient volume and collections ramp in the first months after opening.
How should acquisition costs be modeled versus de novo startup?
For acquisitions, purchase price is the primary capital component, with extra budget for technology upgrades, transition expenses, and working capital. De novo models instead emphasize buildout, equipment, and launch costs.