Physical Therapist Assistant
Help patients recover strength and movement after injuries, surgeries and illness.
- $68,380
- 2 years
Healthcare career
Physical Therapist
Also called: PT · DPT · Physiotherapist · Sports Physical Therapist
What physical therapists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain, using exercise, hands-on therapy and education. The median pay is $102,760 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 7 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +11.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$102,760$49.40/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+11.9%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year13,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train7 years after high schoolTypical program length
- U.S. jobs283,700Employment, 2025
What physical therapists do
Physical therapists (PTs) help people move better. They examine patients, diagnose movement problems, design treatment plans, guide exercises, use hands-on techniques, teach patients to prevent reinjury and track progress. Patients include athletes, older adults, people recovering from surgery or strokes, and children with developmental conditions.
PTs need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, usually three years after a bachelor’s, and a state license. BLS projects faster-than-average growth as people stay active longer and the population ages.
Typical duties
- Examine and evaluate patients
- Diagnose movement problems
- Design treatment plans
- Guide therapeutic exercise
- Provide manual therapy
- Educate patients and families
- Supervise PT assistants and aides
Work environment and schedule
PTs work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, nursing facilities, homes, schools and sports settings.
Schedule: Most work full-time; clinics often offer early morning and evening hours.
A day in the life
- Review the day’s schedule and notes.
- Evaluate a patient after knee surgery.
- Treat a runner with hip pain.
- Coach an older adult on balance exercises.
See a full day in the life of a physical therapist →
Physical Therapist salary
Half of physical therapists earned more than $102,760 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $77,140 for the lowest 10% to $135,140 for the top 10%.
Full physical therapist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a physical therapist
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Get observation hours
- Complete a DPT program
- Pass the NPTE
- Specialize
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program is required, plus passing the NPTE and getting a state license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a physical therapist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Musculoskeletal evaluation
- Therapeutic exercise
- Manual therapy
- Neurologic rehab
- Gait training
People skills
- Motivation skills
- Empathy
- Communication
- Patience
All physical therapist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Help people regain independence
- Faster-than-average growth
- Good pay
- Active, hands-on work
Cons
- Doctoral degree and debt
- Physically demanding
- Productivity pressure
- Insurance documentation
Certifications and licenses
- NPTE: National licensing exam.
- State PT license: Required to practice.
- Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): ABPTS specialty certification.
- Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS): Sports specialty certification.
Career path
- Staff PT: Treat patients.
- Senior or Specialist PT: Specialize.
- Clinic Director: Lead clinics.
- Practice Owner: Own a practice.
Learn the job before day one
Our Physical Therapist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as measure range of motion and design a home exercise program, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Physical Therapist Aide
Help physical therapy teams set up, clean and keep patients moving.
- $35,240
- 1–4 weeks
Occupational Therapist
Help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability.
- $100,330
- 6–7 years
Athletic Trainer
Prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people.
- $62,520
- Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s
Compare: PT vs. PT Assistant · PT vs. PT Aide · PT vs. OT · PT vs. Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapist FAQ
How long does it take to become a PT?
Usually 7 years: a bachelor’s plus a 3-year DPT.
Can you see a PT without a referral?
In all states, with some limits, through direct access.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
How much does a physical therapist make?
The median annual wage for physical therapists was $102,760 ($49.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $77,140 and the highest 10% earned more than $135,140.
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
Most people need about 7 years after high school of training. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program is required, plus passing the NPTE and getting a state license.
Do you need a degree to be a physical therapist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More physical therapist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1123 (Physical therapists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Physical therapists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.