Physical Therapists
O*NET 29-1123.00 · SOC 29-1123
Physical Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $103k a year with +11.9% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 13,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Evaluate patient mobility, strength, and pain levels
- →Develop personalized rehabilitation programs
- →Guide patients through therapeutic exercises
- →Track recovery progress and adjust treatments
- →Educate patients on injury prevention strategies
Education & How to Get In
Physical Therapist 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
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Physical Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Physical Therapist?
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 Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Physical Therapists is projected to grow 11.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% 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 Therapist make?
The median Physical Therapist earns $103k 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 Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Physical Therapist at 16 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Physical Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 11.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 13,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Physical Therapist?
Physical Therapist 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 Therapist?
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 Therapist 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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