Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
O*NET 29-1229.04 · SOC 29-1229
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $266k a year with +3.4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 9,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Develop rehabilitation plans for patients recovering from injury or stroke
- →Perform electrodiagnostic studies such as EMG and nerve conduction tests
- →Prescribe physical and occupational therapy for functional recovery
- →Manage chronic pain conditions using injections or medications
- →Evaluate patients for assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs
Education & How to Get In
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians is projected to grow 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·36% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician make?
The median Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician earns $266k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician jobs?
Our model puts Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician at 18 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 36% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 9,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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