### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physical Therapists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			physical therapists imagePhysical therapists develop individualized plans of care for patients.							
						Quick Facts:     Physical Therapists2023     Median Pay
            						$99,710     per year
										$47.94     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Doctoral or professional degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    246,800Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    15% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    37,300What Physical Therapists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes. They spend much of their time on their feet, actively working with patients.
            
                                                How to Become a Physical Therapist
                                                
                        
Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of physical therapists is projected to grow							 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 13,900 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physical therapists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physical therapists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about physical therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Physical Therapists Do 
            

			Physical therapistsPhysical therapists evaluate and record a patient’s progress.			
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Duties
Physical therapists typically do the following:
Review patients’ medical history and referrals or notes from doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare workers
Diagnose patients’ functions and movements by observing them stand or walk and by listening to their concerns
Develop individualized plans of care for patients, outlining the patients’ goals and the expected outcomes of the plans
Use exercises, stretching maneuvers, hands-on therapy, and equipment to ease patients’ pain, help them increase their mobility, prevent further pain or injury, and facilitate health and wellness
Evaluate and record a patients’ progress, modifying the plan of care and trying new treatments as needed
Educate patients and their families about what to expect from the recovery process and how to cope with challenges throughout the processPhysical therapists, sometimes called *PTs*, care for people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions.
Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises; training in functional movement, which may include the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve mobility and decrease pain.
The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs care different from that of a patient recovering from a sports injury. Some physical therapists specialize in one type of care, such as orthopedics or geriatrics. Many physical therapists also help patients maintain or improve mobility by developing fitness and wellness programs that encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
Physical therapists work as part of a healthcare team, overseeing the work of physical therapist assistants and aides and consulting with physicians and surgeons and other specialists.
 Work Environment
			Physical therapistsPhysical therapists use exercises and stretching maneuvers to ease patients' pain.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Physical therapists held about 246,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physical therapists were as follows:
        Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                35%Hospitals; state, local, and private
                28Home healthcare services
                10Nursing and residential care facilities
                5Self-employed workers
                4Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, working with patients. Because they must often lift and move patients, they are vulnerable to back injuries. Physical therapists can limit these risks by using proper body mechanics and lifting techniques when assisting patients.
Work Schedules
Most physical therapists work full time, although part time work is common. They usually work during normal business hours, but some work evenings or weekends.
 How to Become a Physical Therapist

			Physical therapistsPhysical therapists use a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching, to treat patients.			
Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed.
Education
Physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
DPT programs typically last 3 years. Physical therapy programs typically require a bachelor's degree, which may be in recreation and fitness or healthcare and related fields, and prerequisite courses such as anatomy, chemistry, and physics.
Most DPT programs require candidates to apply through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
Physical therapist programs often include courses in biomechanics, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Physical therapist students also complete clinical work, during which they gain supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.
Physical therapists may apply to a clinical residency program after graduation. Residencies typically last about 1 year and provide additional training and experience in specialty areas of care. Physical therapists who have completed a residency program may choose to specialize further by participating in a fellowship in an advanced clinical area. The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education has directories of physical therapist residency and fellowship programs.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require physical therapists to be licensed, which includes passing the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Other requirements vary by state. For example, some states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.
After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties offers certification in clinical specialty areas of physical therapy, such as orthopedics, sports, and geriatrics. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and completing clinical work in the specialty area.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Physical therapists must clearly explain treatment programs, motivate patients, and listen to patients’ concerns in order to provide effective therapy.
***Compassion.*** Physical therapists spend a lot of time interacting with patients, so they should have a desire to help people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy for their patients.
***Detail oriented.*** Like other healthcare providers, physical therapists should have strong analytic and observational skills to diagnose a patient’s problem, evaluate treatments, and provide safe, effective care.
***Dexterity.*** Physical therapists must use their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. They should feel comfortable massaging and otherwise physically assisting patients.
***Physical stamina.*** Physical therapists spend much of their time on their feet, moving to demonstrate proper techniques and to help patients perform exercises. They should enjoy physical activity.
***Resourcefulness.*** Physical therapists customize treatment plans for patients. They must be flexible and adapt plans of care to meet the needs of each patient.
***Time-management**skills.*** Physical therapists typically treat several patients each day. They must be able to provide appropriate care to patients as well as complete administrative tasks, such as documenting patient progress.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Physical TherapistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Physical therapists$99,710  Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners$98,760  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $130,870.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Home healthcare services
                $107,870Hospitals; state, local, and private
                103,690Nursing and residential care facilities
                102,810Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                93,050Most physical therapists work full time. Although most therapists work during normal business hours, some work evenings or weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Physical TherapistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physical therapists15%  Healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners9%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of physical therapists is projected to grow				 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 13,900 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.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for physical therapy will come, in part, from the large number of aging baby boomers, who are staying more active later in life than their counterparts of previous generations. Older people are more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related injuries that require physical therapy for rehabilitation.
In addition, a number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have become prevalent. More physical therapists will be needed to help people with these conditions maintain their mobility and manage their disease or illness.
A greater emphasis on non-opioid approaches to manage pain also is expected to support employment growth.
			

                        Employment projections data for     physical therapists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Physical therapists**
			29-1123
			246,800
			284,100
			15
			37,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Physical therapists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physical therapists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Audiologists**
            Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat patients who have hearing, balance, or related problems.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $87,740**Chiropractors**
            Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients' neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $76,530**Occupational Therapists**
            Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.
            Master's degree
            $96,370**Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides**
            Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
            See How to Become One
            $58,740**Recreational Therapists**
            Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $57,120**Speech-Language Pathologists**
            Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.
            Master's degree
            $89,290**Athletic Trainers**
            Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
            Master's degree
            $57,930**Exercise Physiologists**
            Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs to help people improve their health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $54,860**Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners**
            Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.
            Master's degree
            $129,480**Physician Assistants**
            Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
            Master's degree
            $130,020**Orthotists and Prosthetists**
            Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.
            Master's degree
            $78,100
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about physical therapists, visit
American Physical Therapy Association
For more information about accredited physical therapy programs, visit
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
For more information about state licensing requirements and about the National Physical Therapy Exam, visit
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
For more information about certification, visit
American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
For more information about residency and fellowship opportunities, visit
American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education
For more information about how to apply to DPT programs, visit
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
CareerOneStop
For a career video on physical therapists, visit
Physical Therapists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Physical Therapists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm (visited *May 19, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics**
Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections 
PSB Suite 2135 
2 Massachusetts Avenue NE  
Washington, DC 20212-0001 Telephone:1-202-691-5700 

www.bls.gov/ooh
Contact OOH