Physical Therapists
Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Physical Therapists to increase by 11.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 283,700 to 317,600 jobs. Its estimate of 13,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($102,760), education (Doctoral or professional degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
283,700
Projected employment (2034)
317,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
12%
Annual openings (projected average)
13,400
Pay & Preparation
$102,760
Doctoral or professional degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Social Perceptiveness (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Service Orientation (4/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Critical Thinking (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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