Projected pay for Physical Therapists (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $102,760 → in 3 years $113,900 → in 5 years $122,000 → in 10 years $145,000 (10-year range $124,700–$168,300). The model assumes pay growth of +3.5% per year.
$102,760
Now 2026
$113,900
In 3 yrs 2029
$105,200–$124,000
$122,000
In 5 yrs 2031
$110,000–$135,900
$145,000
In 10 yrs 2036
$124,700–$168,300
What drives the annual growth rate
Base wage growth +3.0%Labor demand +0.4%AI impact +0.24%Total +3.5% / yr
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Physical Therapists
72/100
★★★★☆
Good · ranked #39 of all U.S. occupations
Pay level
85 pts
AI resistance
82 pts
Entry barrier
70 pts
Annual openings
5 pts
Projected growth
95 pts
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Labor demand for Physical Therapists
Employment
267K
BLS OEWS
Projected employment
318K
2025–35
Projected change
+11.9%
ranked #42 for growth
Annual openings
13K
growth + replacement needs
Demand score
High
66/100
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
Work experience
None
in a related occupation
On-the-job training
None
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions.
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use.
$140,910
59/100
52%
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.