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 $102,760 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$102,760/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
13,200
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
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
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- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Physical Therapist make?
The median pay for a Physical Therapist is $102,760 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Physical Therapist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (dpt, doctor of physical therapy). Common majors are Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Biology, and Pre-Physical Therapy.
Is Physical Therapist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 13,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Physical Therapist use most?
Common skills for this role are Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation, Exercise Prescription, Anatomy, and Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.