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Job outlook for registered physical therapists in the United States
Are registered physical therapist jobs in demand?
Registered physical therapist job and salary trends over time
Registered physical therapist jobs over time
Registered physical therapist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 454 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 445 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 471 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 461 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 455 | 0.00% |
Average registered physical therapist salary over time
Registered physical therapist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $72,910 | $35.05 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $71,652 | $34.45 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $70,443 | $33.87 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $69,577 | $33.45 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $68,416 | $32.89 | +1.6% |
Registered physical therapist jobs by state
Most common states for registered physical therapists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 387 | 29% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 173 | 28% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 194 | 26% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 389 | 20% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 174 | 20% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 203 | 19% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 111 | 19% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 184 | 18% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 171 | 18% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 130 | 18% |
| 11 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,160 | 17% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 542 | 17% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 508 | 17% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,104 | 16% |
| 15 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 985 | 16% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 328 | 16% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 285 | 16% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 210 | 16% |
| 19 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 112 | 16% |
| 20 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 746 | 15% |
Most common cities for registered physical therapists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andover | 1 | 3% | $99,494 |
| 2 | Fall River | 2 | 2% | $100,251 |
| 3 | Coeur dAlene | 1 | 2% | $77,862 |
| 4 | Springfield | 2 | 1% | $99,656 |
| 5 | Worcester | 2 | 1% | $99,741 |
| 6 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $65,176 |
| 7 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $99,786 |
| 8 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $64,675 |
| 9 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $69,787 |
| 10 | Fort Wayne | 1 | 0% | $76,027 |
| 11 | Glendale | 1 | 0% | $64,950 |
Registered Physical Therapist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered physical therapist experts
University of South Florida
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Weber State University
Willamette University
Endicott College
Concordia University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Illinois at Chicago
Meredith College
University of Puget Sound
Andrews University
Saint Mary's College of California
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Vermont
Gulf Coast State College
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
John Wright: The field of Kinesiology is a remarkably diverse field. Students graduating with a degree in Kinesiology have a unique opportunity to pursue myriad opportunities. Currently, graduates are prepared to pursue graduate education or employment in fields as diverse as medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, strength & conditioning / human performance, personal training, and corporate or medical wellness. With such a variety of opportunities, I strongly recommend that students entering the field try a variety of career options through a combination of field experiences, internships opportunities, and employment opportunities. Only after sampling the different specialities can students truly realize their passion! Often students enter their academic career with limited exposure to the field, and subsequently, they may feel pigeon-holed and/or limited in their career opportunities. I often tell my students to keep an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity presented! You never know when inspiration will strike, and that area of specialization that wasn’t initially on your radar might actually become your true calling!
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Wright: The field of Kinesiology has evolved significantly over the past 35 years. Specialization with specific populations is necessary in order to really make a name for yourself. Regardless of which populations you would like to work with (i.e.: Older Adults, Military/Tactical Strength & Conditioning, Competitive Sports / Human Performance, Corporate Wellness, Pediatric / Adolescent), there are common themes that have become essential for success in the field. Graduates in the field of Kinesiology should become very familiar with postural analysis, Functional Movement Screening, and corrective exercise. Additionally, an emphasis on injury prevention, exercise epidemiology (Exercise is Medicine), and longevity and health-span have become emerging trends. Finally, other than the Kinesiology-specific skills, competence in social media and marketing has become ubiquitous as a set of “soft-skills” in order to reach and match with emerging markets.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Chad Killian PhD: The ability to critically evaluate and apply the use of technology to support effective practice is now mandatory in almost every field, including kinesiology. It will be important for kinesiology professionals to have the ability to consider if/when/how these technologies can/should be used in their practice.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chad Killian PhD: Kinesiology professionals can pursue specializations that extend beyond their baseline degree and certification. By investing in reputable professional development and specialized training, professionals can ensure they remain competitive and make a positive impact in their field.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Chad Killian PhD: Regardless of the specific field a Kinesiology graduate enters, it is crucial to stay informed about current societal trends and emerging research. It will be essential to actively engage with students or clients to ensure practices are consistently aligned with their evolving needs.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Bailey Palmer: Employment for professionals in kinesiology is expected to grow by over 15% in the next ten years. People are living longer which means a higher quality of life needs to be attained in those later years. Kinesiology professionals can help to improve mobility, rehab injuries, and increase fitness levels in these individuals to improve quality of life.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Sumer Samhoury: The best way to maximize your salary potential is to specialize and get board certified in a specific area or population and if you’re passionate about a specific area of expertise, apply for a 1 year residency program. You will learn one on one with board certified experts and save a lot of money on continuing education and be able to sit for a board certification exam by the time you finish it. You will also learn so much more in a short period of time than if you decide to take multiple continuing education courses.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sumer Samhoury: My advice would be to find a job where there are many other therapists that can serve as mentors that you can continue to learn from. Being a new grad is challenging because you are now applying everything you learned in school in the clinic and that can be overwhelming without some guidance. It’s also best to start working in an outpatient clinic with patients with a variety of diagnoses and a diverse population to further increase your knowledge base.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Sumer Samhoury: Telehealth and remote PT is becoming more prevalent and being able to educate patients to become more independent in their care and healing is the direction in which this field is going. It will also allow for greater access to PT for less mobile individuals.
Dr. Shala Davis Ph.D., FACSM
Professor/Department ChairEast Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Shala Davis Ph.D., FACSM: Holding a professional credential and having varied skills to work with apparently health adults and patients with clinical conditions makes the professional more marketable.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Saori Hanaki: Those who are going into fitness and/or coaching-related areas definitely want to consider getting certifications from respected organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength & Conditioning Association. I would specifically recommend getting certifications that require a college degree and/or exercise science-specific coursework since many fitness certifications including personal training certifications can be obtained without a college degree. Additionally, extensive practical experiences in health and fitness assessments, exercise prescriptions, and client/patient interactions through internships would be a plus.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Saori Hanaki: Keep open-minded. Exercise science/kinesiology is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows you to explore options in different professional areas including fitness, coaching, healthcare-related fields, and education. With experiences after college, your professional interests likely evolve.
Michael Lockard Ph.D.
Professor of Exercise and Health ScienceWillamette University
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Lockard Ph.D.: In the United States, the term kinesiologist can be used to describe someone who has studied/earned a degree in Kinesiology; however, the term does not describe a specific profession. Kinesiology is broadly defined as the study of human movement; more specifically how physical activity affects health, function, quality of life, and society as a whole. As a broad discipline, many students earn degrees in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Physiology, and others. There are numerous career pathways that someone may enter with a degree in Kinesiology. These careers commonly include physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, medicine, sports psychology, public health, coaching, personal training, clinical research, cardiac rehabilitation, biomechanics, and exercise physiology among many others.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Matthew Ibrahim Ph.D.(c): If you're about to graduate with a degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology, my top 3 recommendations would be: #1 - Be yourself. Avoid trying to mimic others in the field. Steer clear of a simple 'copy and paste'. Most importantly, forge a path of your own. I know that this may sound too simple, but I firmly believe in being yourself in every avenue of life. Ultimately, you will attract what you exude; therefore, exude energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and a deep passion for your work. #2 - Be patient. So many young, up-and-coming professionals in our field (i.e., Strength and Conditioning, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, etc.) seem to be in a rush and want to leap past the journey to the end result. In my humble opinion, it is the journey that teaches you life's most valuable lessons, especially as they pertain to this career field. Instead of leaping past these valuable career lessons, lean into them, learn from them and grow from them. #3 - Seek mentorship. After graduating with a degree in this field, you may feel lost, unsure of your next steps or confused. Trust me, this is very typical. I've been there before as well. One thing that truly helped me along my path when I was in your shoes was to seek out mentors in and out of the career field. In doing so, I was able to develop from a professional standpoint, and I was also able to grow my overall network. In my book, it was a huge win-win for my career, especially in the early stages. Ultimately, this need for mentorship is why I created my mentorship program for students and up-and-coming professionals like yourself: Athletic Performance University (APU).
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Make sure you individualize your approach when working with clients. It is critical to fully understand their needs, psychosocial background, and goals. It’s also important for kinesiologists to stay on top of research and the latest clinical practices/standards. Getting involved in research is a great way to continue learning throughout your career.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Be proactive, continue to expand your network and do not close any doors or opportunities that present themselves. There are many interesting job opportunities in different areas in health and fitness-related sectors.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Maryse Fortin PhD, CAT(C): Be proactive, look for opportunities that may be “outside the box” and don’t be scared to start your own business.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Joshua Wooten Ph.D.: Kinesiology is the broad study of human movement. Graduates can specialize in areas such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, or Physical Education and Coaching Pedagogy. They can work in a variety of settings like cardiac rehabilitation, personal training, strength and conditioning, or mental performance coaching.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Dr. Josh Miller: Kinesiology is an umbrella term used in our field that describes the analysis of human movement, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, and the neurophysiological aspects of movement. Within Kinesiology there are many educational opportunities that our students can pursue if they choose to in professional schools (i.e. physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical school, physician's assistant, etc.), graduate school (i.e. Master's degree in a specialized discipline of the field - exercise physiology (the study of how the body responds to exercise), biomechanics (the study of movement), or sport psychology), or find a position (i.e. personal trainer, health coach, strength coach, etc.). It is difficult to answer your question of what does a Kinesiologist do on a day-to-day basis. This would depend upon the job that they have. A good example would be someone who works in Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehabilitation. On an average day, the individual would work with patients that have had a cardiovascular event (heart surgery, stents, arrhthymias, and other related issues) in i-hour classes that incorporate aerobic exercise, stretching, and some resistance training. There may be some education to help with making changes to lifestyle (i.e. diet, stress, etc.). Additionally, they may work with patients that have just had an event or surgery.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heather Sanderson Ed.D., CSCS (she/her/hers): I always teach students to ask for three things when negotiating a salary - 1. Ask for something you need (higher pay, flexible hours, telecommute, professional development funds, etc) 2. Ask for something you want but don't need (a specific type of computer/phone, office location, moving expense, specific type of benefit), 3. Ask for something to enhance your position (better title, bonuses, more vacation, PTO). As a women's college, our students must work on their negotiation skills as statistically employers pay women less and give them fewer incentives. So I educate our students to know their worth and be proactive to ensure their success.
Holly Roberts PT, PhD
Director and Associate ProfessorUniversity of Puget Sound
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Holly Roberts PT, PhD: Residency or fellowship training and/or ABPTS board certification can improve salary potential in some settings. It is important for graduates to consider things that are valuable beyond salary. You might value additional time off (flex days or floating holidays), paid continuing education, paid membership for your professional organization, or a flexible schedule. After a certain point, those benefits may be more negotiable than salary.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Roberts PT, PhD: I think technology will play a bigger role in rehabilitation. It will be important to identify valid and reliable technology tools to enhance rehabilitative care. I also think that AI is going to become more prevalent in our field. It will be important for physical therapists to determine when AI may enhance care or improve clinical efficiency. However, AI cannot replace the clinical reasoning of a Doctor of Physical Therapy, nor can it use its hands to assess, guide, or facilitate movement.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Holly Roberts PT, PhD: I advise new graduates to be open to new experiences. We are lifelong learners and there are advances in rehabilitation science every day. Ask questions. Identify a formal or informal mentor, but also know that new graduates have something to teach more "seasoned" clinicians as well. I also recommend considering residency or fellowship training and pursuing specialist certification. Finally, find a way to contribute to enhancing our profession and improving the quality of care for patients. That could be through advocacy, research, health promotion and wellness, or clinical instruction.
Nathan Hess PT, DPT, Ph.D. Candidate
Assistant ProfessorAndrews University
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Nathan Hess PT, DPT, Ph.D. Candidate: PTs like helping people achieve their goals and return to desired functional levels but dislike dealing with insurance and paperwork.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nathan Hess PT, DPT, Ph.D. Candidate: Employment of PTs is expected to grow by 15% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Nathan Hess PT, DPT, Ph.D. Candidate: A PT evaluates and treats patients with mostly neurological or musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on improving mobility, maximizing function, and managing pain.
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Like many fields, the integration of technology continues to expand in Exercise Science. Being versed in technology specific to one's area of exercise science will be an advantage. Additionally, given the aging demographics, the need for clinically experienced practitioners is growing.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Hopefully to start, students choose to attend institutions that provide extensive applied experiences through high quality internships. These dramatically enhance professional growth, offer extensive networking, and build one's resume. Obtaining reputable credentialing (certifications) will open doors and is a good first step. Being willing and able to diversify to have multiple revenue streams for income can expand your salary potential. There are a lot of unique ways to make money in the field, so looking for those opportunities can make a big difference.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth O'Neill: Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone to take on opportunities that will allow you the best professional growth. Certainly moving back home can be great in terms of saving money, and in some cases that might be the best choice, however I would encourage students not to limit their geographic exploration of career opportunities. This may open up options for higher paying jobs or positions that will accelerate their career trajectory.
Derek Marks PhD
Associate Professor, Director Graduate Kinesiology, Director Human Performance LaboratorySaint Mary's College of California
Sports, Kinesiology, And Physical Education/Fitness
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Derek Marks PhD: Our field is SO diverse, there is no way to pin point even a handful. Generally, I would say staying on top of (current) technologies in ways to communicate, make assessments, and practice your trade is essential. Wearable biometric devices are just one example of technology that can be incredibly valuable in our field and failure to understand how to utilize wearables could mean losing clients or not getting a position.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Derek Marks PhD: I generally have 3 pieces of advice I share with my graduating students. 1) be flexible - our field does not always have perfectly defined career options and sometimes you will need to take on roles you may not have thought of before in order to get the experience you need to move forward. 2) Be patient - there is often a process involved with getting experience and earning the qualification to progress to your 'dream' position. It takes time and dedication to get there. 3) Be creative - building on point #1 above, there is not always a perfect job out there and sometimes you have to go out and make it for yourself. Creating your own niche or finding positions that you can make for you can be very rewarding.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Annmarie Chizewski: Your formal education may be over, but the learning has just begun. Some of the most valuable skills and experiences you'll acquire will come after graduation, through hands-on practice and continuous professional development. While you now have the foundational tools to tackle problems in your field, you shouldn't expect to have all the answers right away. Stay humble, curious, and open to learning from experienced professionals and diverse perspectives. Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to expand your knowledge and skills. Build a strong professional network, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors and colleagues. Finally, remain passionate about your craft and committed to lifelong learning – the field of kinesiology is constantly evolving, and staying current will be essential for your career growth
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Carissa Wengrovius: Stay curious and continue to review new literature as the evidence in our field grows and evolves quickly. Find a couple of strong mentors who will support you and help you build your skill set.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carissa Wengrovius: Skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies are higher paying settings for a therapist. Travel therapy also offers significantly higher pay. Working in rural areas will maximize your salary because cost of living is low.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Carissa Wengrovius: Adaptability will be the most important skill for early-career PTs. This will involve being open to learning new technologies, responsive to protocol and treatment changes, and staying current to diverse patient needs.
Adam Padgett PTA
Assistant Coordinator & Director of Clinical EducationGulf Coast State College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Registered Physical Therapist?
Adam Padgett PTA: As the field of physical therapy continually adapts to fluctuating reimbursement rates, the ability to incorporate evidence-based interventions that are also financially viable will be crucial. Examples of such interventions include manual techniques/soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular education, alongside the therapeutic exercise and activities that are familiar to us. Many facilities are already implementing these practices. Looking ahead, I anticipate the increasing prevalence of interventions such as blood flow restriction techniques and the utilization of augmented/virtual reality technologies.
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Padgett PTA: In my experience, a new graduate clinician's salary often reflects their potential. Employers view hiring new graduates as an investment, and they are more inclined to offer competitive salaries to individuals who exhibit a strong work ethic and a keen desire to learn. This reassures employers that the clinician will continue to develop and improve, leading to better patient outcomes. These improvements can manifest in various ways, such as shorter hospital stays, enhanced patient safety and awareness during daily activities, and overall maximization of patient independence.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Adam Padgett PTA: Do not mistake graduation and passing the board exam as reasons to stop learning. Your journey from entry-level to mastery-level clinician is just beginning. Seek positions that are willing to continue teaching and molding you into the clinician you aspire to be. This could involve finding a mentor who is willing to guide you as you gain experience or having access to resources such as an allowance or budget for continuing education (CEUs).
What Registered Physical Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Asia Heynen M.S.: Kinesiology is a fantastic field to get into. Although the field is becoming increasingly competitive, there is so much opportunity and variety within the major itself, that many students feel their Kinesiology backgrounds give them a strong foundation in any profession they pursue.
What will help Registered Physical Therapists increase their earning potential?
Asia Heynen M.S.: Kinesiology is a very broad discipline. As a Kinesiology major, you can find professional success in a variety of careers, such as being a physician, physical therapist, physical education teacher, nurse, sports coach, athletic trainer, occupational therapist, sport psychologist, and countless more. The day-to-day duties entirely depend on the profession itself and can vary widely depending on the personal preferences of the individual. Kinesiologists are problem-solvers and will take that drive into any profession they choose.