Physical Therapists
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$101,020
~$49/hr · ~$8,418/mo
US Jobs
267K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
3/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 3/10
The core of physical therapy involves manual manipulation, physical assistance, and real-time observation of human movement in a physical environment, which AI cannot replicate. While AI can assist with administrative tasks, medical history review, and generating personalized exercise plans, the high level of physical dexterity and interpersonal empathy required limits its overall exposure.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GABEST VALUE | $121,420 | Below avg (89.9) | $135,096 |
| Lawton, OK | $113,030 | Below avg (88.0) | $128,472 |
| Albany, GA | $108,690 | Below avg (86.5) | $125,666 |
| Chico, CA | $131,370 | Above avg (104.7) | $125,419 |
| Vallejo, CA | $136,440 | Above avg (109.4) | $124,763 |
| Merced, CA | $124,270 | Average (99.6) | $124,747 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $112,210 | Below avg (90.8) | $123,593 |
| Sumter, SC | $106,440 | Below avg (86.8) | $122,565 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $121,530 | Average (99.3) | $122,373 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $134,810 | Above avg (110.3) | $122,273 |
| Carson City, NV | $115,880 | Below avg (94.9) | $122,123 |
| Midland, TX | $116,150 | Below avg (95.4) | $121,772 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $137,250 | Above avg (113.1) | $121,397 |
| Farmington, NM | $105,510 | Below avg (87.0) | $121,248 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $103,780 | Below avg (85.6) | $121,187 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+11% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$49/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,418/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)