Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people of all ages improve their movement, manage pain, prevent disability, and restore function following injury, illness, or surgery.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Physical Therapist
At 7.3 years to get started, this is faster than the 11.3 years average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 7.3 years) at an estimated cost of $231k–$304k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for physical therapist practice.
Begin Working
Physical Therapist earn a median salary of $101k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical Therapists help people of all ages improve their movement, manage pain, prevent disability, and restore function following injury, illness, or surgery. As a PT, you'll work with diverse patient populations—from athletes recovering from sports injuries to elderly patients regaining mobility after a stroke, and everyone in between. The profession combines hands-on clinical work with patient education, exercise prescription, and collaborative care planning.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make?
At $101k/yr, physical therapist earn less than the $217k/yr average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
$101k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist | $101k/yr |
| Home Health Aide | $34k/yr |
| Cardiologist | $239k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $130k/yr |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | $39k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Physical Therapist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 14.2% growth over the next decade — faster than the 4% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers. That's considered "much faster than average" by BLS standards.
10-Year Growth
14.2%
Much faster than average
Current Employment
238,300
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Significant Risk
Physical Therapist roles face significant AI automation risk — below average among Doctoral Degree-level careers. Several core tasks could potentially be automated or substantially changed by AI. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Coaching and developing others
What Could Be Automated
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Performing for or working directly with the public
- −Getting information
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
Home Health Aide
Cardiologist
Physician Assistant
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Internal Medicine Physician
Learn More
Related Guides
Occupational Therapist Salary
Occupational therapy offers competitive salaries and growth opportunities in health care. Learn more about how much you can make as an occupation therapist.
Physical TherapistPhysical Therapist Salary
Physical therapists in the United States earn an average annual salary of $100,440.
Recreational TherapistRecreational Therapist Salary
Recreational therapists earn an average of $60,910 annually.
Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12