How to become physical therapistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$102,760
25th–75th pct. $86,160–$121,160
Top pay (est.)
$175,700
Top 10% $135,140
Pay in 5 years
$122,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$145,000est.
$124,700–$168,300
Outlook score
72/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
18%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+11.9%
13K openings / yr
How to become physical therapists
Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Physical Therapists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as physical therapists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.