Physical Therapists
Physical therapists assess patients with injuries or illnesses and design rehabilitation programs to restore movement, reduce pain, and build strength. They work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare settings, collaborating with doctors and other specialists to help patients regain function and independence.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves evaluating new patients, documenting their conditions and treatment plans, leading hands-on therapy sessions using exercises and equipment, and monitoring progress. Physical therapists spend time analyzing movement patterns, adjusting treatment based on patient response, communicating with other healthcare providers, and maintaining detailed records of patient outcomes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving complex problems and understanding how the body works—interests that draw many investigative-minded people to this field. You also tend to be motivated by helping others directly and building relationships with patients over time, reflecting the social interest that characterizes many successful physical therapists.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- PT Delivery Driver - Napa · SPARC · American Canyon, Napa County · $41,496–$49,192
- RN Senior Review Coordinator PT - Saturday's and Sunday's · Telligen · United States · Remote
- Physical Therapist · Trinity Healthcare Talent Services · Carmichael, Sacramento County · $93,600–$99,840
- Physical Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Laughlin, Nevada · $99891–$129861
- Physical Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Albuquerque, New Mexico · $93153–$128370
- Food Service Worker (PT) · Veterans Health Administration · Charleston, South Carolina · $20.42–$23.81
- Physical Therapist · Veterans Health Administration · Nevada, Missouri · $90968–$118261
- Physical Therapist - Home Based Primary Care · Veterans Health Administration · Canton, Ohio · $77977–$121502
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $100,790 | $124,190 | $141,260 | 26,580 |
| Alaska | $101,500 | $115,280 | $129,760 | 680 |
| New Jersey | $96,730 | $112,140 | $129,780 | 9,750 |
| Nevada | $98,100 | $111,250 | $134,420 | 2,030 |
| Maryland | $96,880 | $106,890 | $125,440 | 3,940 |
| New Mexico | $89,440 | $106,880 | $128,110 | 1,330 |
| Washington | $92,490 | $105,950 | $129,390 | 5,370 |
| Texas | $88,620 | $105,810 | $127,290 | 21,870 |
| Illinois | $95,940 | $105,250 | $122,920 | 9,800 |
| Connecticut | $96,560 | $104,360 | $113,360 | 4,060 |
| Massachusetts | $94,750 | $103,790 | $121,710 | 6,850 |
| Oregon | $90,370 | $103,510 | $126,520 | 3,210 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE) — Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) — Hand Therapy Certification Commission, Inc.
- Geriatric Physical Therapy Specialist (GCS) — American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist — American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Oncology Physical Therapy Specialist Certification — American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy Specialist (ECS) — American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
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 therapists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1123.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.