What does a physical therapist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
A physical therapist helps injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain through exercise, hands-on therapy and education. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median pay of $102,760 per year (May 2025). The job requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a state license.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-1123 (O*NET-SOC 29-1123.00) |
| Typical entry-level education | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Related work experience | None |
| Licensing | Required in all states |
| Median annual wage | $102,760 per year (May 2025 wage data) |
| Projected growth | 12 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 283,700 (2025) |
Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook as it read on 31 October 2026. Wage data are from May 2025 and projections cover 2025 to 2035.
What does a physical therapist do?
BLS describes physical therapists as professionals who help people with injuries or illnesses improve movement and manage pain. Their work includes:
- Reviewing a patient's medical history and diagnosing movement problems.
- Creating an individualized plan of care.
- Using exercises, stretching and hands-on therapy.
- Tracking progress and adjusting treatment.
- Educating patients and their families.
They treat people of all ages with conditions such as back and neck injuries, strokes, arthritis and sports injuries. Some specialize, for example in orthopedics or geriatrics. Physical therapists also supervise physical therapist assistants and aides.
Work environment
Most physical therapists work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients' homes and nursing homes. Much of the job involves standing and working directly with patients. BLS notes a risk of back injury because therapists often lift and move patients, which proper body mechanics can reduce. Most work full time, usually during normal business hours, though some work evenings or weekends.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, typically about 3 years. Entry usually requires a bachelor's degree with prerequisite courses such as anatomy, chemistry and physics. Optional residencies and fellowships follow graduation.
All states require a license, which includes passing a qualifying exam. Some states also require a law exam or a background check, and continuing education is typically needed to keep the license current. Board certification in specialties such as orthopedics, sports or geriatrics is optional. Because rules differ by state, check the requirements of the licensing board in the state where you want to practice before you apply for jobs.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication skills, compassion, attention to detail, manual dexterity, physical stamina, adaptability in treatment planning and time management as the important qualities. O*NET highlights reading comprehension, speaking, monitoring and writing among the skills. On a resume, show patient populations you have treated, settings you have worked in and outcomes you tracked, without including any patient information.
How much does a physical therapist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $102,760 per year (May 2025), which is $49.40 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,140. Among the top employing industries, BLS reports the highest median in home healthcare services at $114,740.
Read the full pay tab on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and look up your own state or metro area in the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. For how to read these numbers, see how to research pay.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 12 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, which is about 33,800 additional jobs. About 13,400 openings are projected each year on average over the decade. BLS ties growth largely to the aging population, the rise of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, and a greater emphasis on nonopioid pain management.
How to get hired as a physical therapist
- Confirm the licensing requirements with the state board where you plan to work.
- Finish a DPT program, including clinical education, and pass the licensing exam.
- Decide on a setting: outpatient clinic, hospital, home health or nursing facility. Each has different hours and patient mix.
- Write a resume that lists settings, conditions treated and credentials. See our ATS resume guide.
- Use clinical placements and instructors as contacts. See networking for your job search.
- Compare pay with official data in how to research pay, then search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Occupational Therapists; Chiropractors; Speech-Language Pathologists; Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides; Athletic Trainers.
Frequently asked questions
Do physical therapists need a doctorate?
BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education. The route is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, typically about 3 years.
Is a license required?
Yes. BLS says all states require a license, which includes passing a qualifying exam. Some states also require a law exam or a background check, and continuing education is typically required.
How much do physical therapists make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $102,760 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,140 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $135,140.
Is physical therapy a growing career?
BLS projects 12 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 13,400 openings per year.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and an assistant?
Physical therapists diagnose movement problems and create care plans, and they supervise physical therapist assistants and aides, according to BLS. Assistants are a separate occupation with different requirements.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS pay tab: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-5 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1123.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1123.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.