1) For sure start applying soon. I applied for a job in May and got turned down. As it worked out though by the time I had passed my boards and was truely looking they called me back because they had a new opening and still had my resume.
2) As someone else said, take a look at the whole packaged job offerer. It helps to assign a monetary value to everything. This will help decide if the benefits at one location outway a higher salary at another.
3) If you are comparing offers in different cities or states make sure to factor in cost of living. I had two job offers that were basically the same position in the same setting, job A would have paid $11,000 more. The kicker was that where job B was located the rent was $1000/month cheaper ( so $12,000 in living expense saved)
4) Don't go in expecting to make loads of money on your first job, you're a new grad with effectively 0 experience.
HOWEVER, dont be affraid to ask for more money on top of a job offer. The worst they can say is no. But if you do this make sure to have the stats to back it up. The APTA has a good bit of salary info based on years of experience and the Dept. Of Labor Statistics, I believe, has salary info for each occupation and geographic location.
5) If the state you're going to be licensed in has a job board associated with its associated sign up. This will keep you in the loop before and after you get your first job.
6) Don't get sucked into the allure of traveling PT right off the bat. Yes you can make decent money, but this is usually after a few assignments and it can be a crap shoot where you get placed. As a new grad you're likely not going to get the fun beach assignment as travelers with more experience will prefer these and scoop them up. ( please note I have not done any traveling PT, this is what I have been told by people who have done it )
*** disclaimer *** i am considered a "new grad" as I graduated last May and started working in August.