How to Become a Physical Therapist
Help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain through exercise and rehabilitation. It typically requires a doctoral degree (dpt, doctor of physical therapy), with a median salary of $99,710 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$99,710/yr
Typical range
$74,230 to $129,890
Job growth
15%
Openings / yr
13,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Patient Assessment
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise Prescription
- Anatomy
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination)
- State Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
15/100
Work-life balance
62/100
Stress level
42/100
Satisfaction
76/100
Related careers
- Dentist$170,910 median
- Pharmacist$132,750 median
- Nurse Practitioner$126,260 median
- Physician Assistant$126,010 median
- Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
- Occupational Therapist$93,180 median
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.