Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. All states require physical therapists to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for physical therapists was $102,760 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,400 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.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $102,760 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,400 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.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,400 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 They 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 $102,760 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 13,400 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.
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 $102,760 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 13,400 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.
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.
More Information
Learn more about physical therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.