Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians diagnose and treat conditions requiring physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and sports medicine facilities. These physicians help patients recover function and independence after injury, surgery, or illness through evidence-based treatment plans.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves evaluating patients with musculoskeletal injuries, spinal cord injuries, or post-surgical conditions. Physicians conduct physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, and develop personalized rehabilitation protocols. Time is spent in clinic appointments, supervising therapy sessions, collaborating with physical therapists and other specialists, and monitoring patient progress through follow-up visits and adjustments to treatment plans.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigative work—diagnosing complex conditions and understanding how body systems interact during recovery. Your social interests make you suited for this field because you'll spend substantial time working with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to guide people through rehabilitation and functional improvement.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Advanced Medical Support Assistant - Physical, Medicine and Rehab · Veterans Health Administration · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $53931–$70110
- Physician-Pain Medicine (Physical Integrated Medicine Service) · Veterans Health Administration · Charleston, South Carolina · $360000–$400000
- Advanced Medical Support Assistant - Physical Medicine & Rehab · Veterans Health Administration · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $53931–$70110
- Physician (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) · Veterans Health Administration · Albuquerque, New Mexico · $200000–$315000
- Physician (Physical Medicine & Rehab) · Veterans Health Administration · Louisville, Kentucky · $200000–$315000
- Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehab · Veterans Health Administration · Augusta, Georgia · $300000–$350000
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program Coordinator (Interdisciplinary) Physical Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Garland, Texas · $115711–$150426
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program Coordinator (Interdisciplinary) Occupational Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Garland, Texas · $115711–$150426
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $287,540 | $454,550 | $564,000 | 740 |
| Montana | $326,580 | $438,850 | $438,850 | 580 |
| Maine | $312,930 | $419,410 | $442,790 | 1,340 |
| Wisconsin | $280,990 | $391,740 | $448,470 | 6,350 |
| Minnesota | $214,230 | $367,320 | $392,360 | 5,350 |
| Indiana | $213,350 | $366,190 | $428,230 | 6,760 |
| New Hampshire | $236,820 | $361,300 | $362,850 | 1,000 |
| Alaska | $239,720 | $355,100 | $426,050 | 270 |
| Louisiana | $209,810 | $350,920 | $419,840 | 4,740 |
| Oregon | $273,940 | $347,180 | $381,480 | 4,130 |
| Vermont | $247,520 | $343,050 | $400,490 | 440 |
| Wyoming | $256,180 | $342,800 | $377,870 | 440 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Sports Medicine — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Pain Medicine (PM&R-PM) — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Hospice and Palliative Medicine — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Spinal Cord Injury Medicine (PM&R-SCI) — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation — American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1229.04 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.