How to become a Physical Therapist in United States
What does a Physical Therapist do?
Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through exercise programs, manual therapy, and specialized equipment to restore movement and manage pain.
Typical duties
- Evaluate patients' physical conditions and develop personalized treatment plans.
- Design and implement therapeutic exercise programs to improve mobility and strength.
- Apply manual therapy techniques including massage, stretching, and joint mobilization.
- Use specialized equipment such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction devices.
- Educate patients and families about exercises and techniques for home recovery.
- Document patient progress and adjust treatment plans based on outcomes.
- Collaborate with physicians, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers.
- Assess workplace ergonomics and recommend modifications to prevent injuries.
Salary by experience
Entry Level (P25)
$84,940
/year
Mid Level (P50)
$89,472
/year
Senior Level (P75)
$95,000
/year
446 job listings analyzed
Current job openings
There are 863,516 job listings for Physical Therapist in United States
View job listings →Labor market in United States
Unemployment rate
4.2%
(2025)
Population
340.110.988
World Bank (CC BY 4.0)
Frequently asked questions
How many job openings are there for Physical Therapist in United States?
There are currently 863,516 job openings for Physical Therapist in United States.
How much does a Physical Therapist earn in United States?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapist in United States is 92.572 USD, ranging from 72.960 to 10.400 USD.
Sources: ESCO (European Commission), O*NET (US DOL), Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA)
Data updated: September 2026