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Job outlook for physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists in the United States
Are physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist jobs in demand?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist job and salary trends over time
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist jobs over time
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 239 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 73 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 69 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 823 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 751 | 0.00% |
Average physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist salary over time
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $68,512 | $32.94 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $66,849 | $32.14 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $65,721 | $31.60 | --5.0% |
| 2023 | $69,156 | $33.25 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $67,693 | $32.54 | +4.7% |
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist jobs by state
Most common states for physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 137 | 22% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 210 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,002 | 15% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 205 | 15% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 81 | 14% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 134 | 13% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 116 | 13% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 208 | 11% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 205 | 11% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 83 | 11% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 80 | 11% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 373 | 10% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 301 | 10% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 217 | 10% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 95 | 10% |
| 16 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 69 | 10% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 515 | 9% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 443 | 9% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 251 | 9% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 313 | 8% |
Most common cities for physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | 1 | 2% | $70,704 |
| 2 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $78,839 |
Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist experts
George Fox University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
Berklee College of Music
California University of Pennsylvania
Lasell University
Welch College
What will help Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Tess Swake PT, DPT, OCS, MTC: My biggest advice for a new graduate is to stay connected to professional groups, colleagues or others in the field who will continue to push you to grow. Even though it might seem like you learned most of what Physical Therapy has to offer during your Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, you are just scratching the surface. Surround yourself with people who are pushing the field forward.
What Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tess Swake PT, DPT, OCS, MTC: Utilization of technology in the clinical setting is the future of Physical Therapy. Previously, you might have only used technology in a research setting, but use of Handheld Dynamometry (HHD), Force Plates and modalities such as Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) will be the standard of practice for objective measures and treatment in the future.
What Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Ken Kosior Prof.: Rehabilitative Science fields are people first professions, the skills that will be most important in the next 3-5 years are the interpersonal and 'soft skills'. The advancements in technology, AI, and complexity of the healthcare system the ability to empathize with a client, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions based on data will be critical.
Matthew Hawzen PhD
Assistant ProfessorFairleigh Dickinson University College at Florham
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What general advice would you give to a Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist?
Matthew Hawzen PhD: Interdisciplinary skills blending technology with traditional kinesiology practices will become increasingly important. Proficiency in digital health technologies, telehealth, wearable fitness devices, and data analysis for personalized care plans are areas poised for growth if they are not already established. Understanding the basics of nutrition, psychology, and biomechanics, as they relate to human movement and performance, will also be critical. These skills not only enhance your ability to offer comprehensive care and advice but also position you at the forefront of advancements in health and wellness.
What Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matthew Hawzen PhD: I would offer classic advice: Set a long term goal and short term strategies and objectives that will help you reach it. As you start your career in kinesiology, it is vital to stay curious and proactive about learning. Be genuinely curious and inquisitive. Identify problems and seek out solutions. Moreover, the field of kinesiology is broad, encompassing many areas including physical therapy, sports medicine, fitness training, and wellness coaching. Gain as much practical experience as you can in those areas through internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions. This hands-on experience, combined with your academic knowledge, will be invaluable. Embrace the diversity of opportunities within kinesiology to discover your passion and specialize in an area that aligns with your interests and career goals.
What will help Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Matthew Hawzen PhD: To maximize your salary potential in kinesiology, you may want to further your education with specialized certifications or a master's degree in areas like occupational therapy, physical therapy, or sports nutrition. But make sure you do not a cost-benefits analysis. Education isn't cheap, but these qualifications can open doors to more specialized and higher-paying roles. Building a strong professional network and showcasing your expertise through social media or professional blogs can also increase your visibility and value to employers. Be strategic about the positions you accept, aiming for roles in settings or industries known for higher compensation, such as private healthcare facilities, sports teams, or corporate wellness programs. Also, don't be afraid to take some entrepreneurial risks if you want to maximize your income.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Adrienne Flight: I anticipate changes in client service delivery since different people will be ready and comfortable to return to in-person services at different times. This means that employers will likely seek to hire music therapists who are familiar with telehealth music therapy services, including comfort using platforms such as Zoom and the ability to navigate and engage through digital music-making programs. Music is especially difficult over Zoom since there is often a slight but audible time lag, so comfort working through that will be key. I also anticipate that the job market will see an increase in positions that are hybrid, offering some services face-to-face and others via telehealth. Similarly, the job market will likely demand employees who are well-versed in safety protocol regarding Covid and engaged with questions around equity and social justice.
What Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adrienne Flight: During a gap year, I recommend trying something that feels personally meaningful. Whatever that is will vary and might seem unrelated to music therapy, but personal growth and life lessons both impact the ways that we engage with people and with music, and inform who we are as clinicians.
What general advice would you give to a Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist?
Adrienne Flight: The advice I would give is to engage as deeply as possible with learning opportunities. Learn as much as you can about how to stay physically safe in a pandemic, how to properly clean instruments, and how to use a variety of music therapy interventions and tools. The skills that students are learning about telehealth will remain important for a long time, so I hope that students and potential employers do not underestimate the value of the experiences students are having throughout this pandemic. The same is true for all we are experiencing and learning about social justice, as these important lessons are critical to the future in the long term.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists?
Wendy Batts: Unfortunately, the need for healthcare professionals in the exercise and rehabilitative sciences is not going away. This type of care is significant due to the continued increase in obesity rates and musculoskeletal disorders. While it is not great that our society continues to need this type of care, it is good for graduates with expertise in the field, as the demand is there and the ability to help others is paramount now more than ever.
What the pandemic has shown is that everyone can adapt in times of need and move the needle forward in areas that may have needed innovation. For example, as faculty members we were forced to shift to one hundred percent online instruction, which allowed students the chance to still participate in their classrooms and studies when face-to-face instruction was no longer an option. This was also evident in the workplace, as related to client care, as it forced health, fitness, and wellness professionals to adapt to a virtual care model.
What has become clear is there will always be a need for in-person care; however, advances in technology have allowed health professionals the opportunity to continue to see clients with some traditional barriers eliminated, as virtual care models can be delivered from and to essentially anywhere! This is exciting because not only has this created opportunity to continue to make an impact during the pandemic but has highlighted the potential to help even more individuals by leveraging technology and adapting models of care to provide ease of access to patients.
What type of skills will young Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists need?
Wendy Batts: It is important that young graduates be adaptable to the changing times, focusing on developing existing skills and finding new ones as much as possible, not only to expand their breadth and depth of knowledge but to diversify what they can offer in a variety of settings and with a variety of populations. Being comfortable with identifying common risk factors for musculoskeletal conditions and how to improve them through individualized exercise programming will be very important. Also important will be developing the soft skills to be able to guide and coach clients (both in-person and virtually) on their behaviors related to health, exercise, wellness, nutrition, etc.
This will be critical to building and maintaining a strong client base and a sustainable, successful business. With advances in technology making education and learning more accessible than ever before, there are many resources available that focus on developing specific skills needed for the changing demands and environments in which professionals will be required to work. I also strongly suggest seeking out a mentor that can identify and address gaps in knowledge and other areas of opportunity to improve specific skills and abilities that will maximize success in their role or position. Seeking and receiving mentorship can be instrumental for new professionals because the guidance and expertise provided may help them avoid missteps, challenges, and obstacles that otherwise could limit or slow down their growth and success.
What experience really stands out on Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Wendy Batts: Relevant work experience really stands out! Whether through internship, volunteering, shadowing, prior-life-experience, etc., being able to highlight time spent in different settings and environments in the field is critical to standing out on a resume. Additionally, while this may be challenging for newer graduates initially, completing continuing education courses and certifications where one can show some versatility but also specialization in a particular area of focus, can really help differentiate applicants applying for the same position. Lastly, making the effort to connect and develop relationships with influential individuals in the place graduates are seeking employment will demonstrate the attitude and work ethic that hiring managers look for in candidates and future employees.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists?
Ron Laham: Yes, I do think there will be an enduring impact on graduates. Most students in the RSCI program work in settings where they have direct patient-client contact (e.g., athletic training, personal training, physical therapy, massage therapy). Obviously, these industries have changed dramatically during COVID, but I think some of these changes will last beyond the pandemic. I think virtual appointments are here to stay – be that personal training, physical therapy, or even physician appointments.
Unfortunately, I also think there may be a time period where we see less opportunities within some industries before industry growth returns. We have seen closures of health clubs and gyms, layoffs and furloughs within athletic departments (as well as outright cuts to athletic programs), and cuts in staffing within clinics. It may take a while for these industries to completely recover, and they may never go back to their pre-pandemic levels. However, the use of technology may also have the effect of reinvigorating the long-term outlook, just in a different manner.
I also believe the health and fitness industry – if done properly – has a chance to promote its importance, post-pandemic. As we know, people with co-morbidities have had the most issues with the coronavirus. It is important for people to understand that some of these issues (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease) can be controlled, and maybe even eliminated, with proper nutrition and exercise. This could increase the need for rehabilitation specialists and personal trainers.
What type of skills will young Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists need?
Ron Laham: I think the same skills that have always been relevant will still be important (i.e., strong communication skills, ability to adapt, time management, organizational skills, ability to work in a team). However, I think graduates will have to be more comfortable working virtually. Work on any associated skills that compliment that need. Interacting in a virtual setting requires better communication skills because you miss the nuances of non-verbal communication when face-to-face. Luckily, most should be comfortable with virtual meetings as some classes and meetings have been online during the pandemic.
What experience really stands out on Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist resumes?
Ron Laham: For me, clinical experience is what really stands out on resume; the more quality "hands on" experience one has, the better. Obviously, during the pandemic this type of experience has been difficult to come by. Therefore, now I would also look for experience with patient simulation scenarios and virtual experience.
I also look for experience at different levels (i.e., high school, college, clinic) and/or with a variety of patients or clients. For example, training and rehabilitating a high school athlete is different than training and rehabilitating an older client coming back from knee or hip replacement. Obviously, the main goal is getting a person back to a functional state, but that is vastly different for those patients!
One other thing that stands out is an applicant's desire to learn. Attendance at conferences, webinars, online learning courses, and other continuing education experiences are very important. As I state to our students at Lasell University, you should strive to be a lifelong learner; the day you think you know everything is the time you begin to know nothing.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Anna Rose Robertson Ph.D.: I think we'll see shifts in 2 major directions--one will be in the direction of technology and being able to exercise remotely more consistently, and one will be in in-person activities. There are some people and some activities that are just better in person.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Anna Rose Robertson Ph.D.: Zoom and other interactive meeting tools. Step and exercise counting tools have already been used for several years, but these may become increasingly important as well.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation Specialists in the next 5 years?
Anna Rose Robertson Ph.D.: Unfortunately, I think there will be a decrease in the field of Physical Education in the immediate future. With so many schools going virtual or hybrid, it becomes increasingly difficult for school districts to hire teachers when the subject area is seemingly compromised by doing exercise and sport online. However, I think they are hired in slightly different areas. For example, look at Peloton, Mirror, and other interactive workout programs. Someone with appropriate credentials is creating the programs as well as the products. It may look different, but I think there could be an overall increase in hiring in this field. Jobseekers will definitely have to be flexible and creative when it comes to looking for employment. It may not be as obvious as it once was.