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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Physical Therapists

Median Salary
99,710
Job Outlook
+28%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

56%

Private not for profit

27%

Self-employed

9%

State and local government

6%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,600 openings for physical therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$52,690

10%

$99,710

Median

$115,550

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    47%

  • Master's degree

    38%

  • Bachelor's degree

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    6%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Physical Therapy/Therapist
  • Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Education and Training
  • Medicine and Dentistry

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.