How to Become A Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain, often after surgery or injury. This guide walks through the education, training and licensing steps required to start working as a physical therapist, plus what you can realistically expect to earn.
Step 1: Meet the education requirements
The typical entry-level education for this role is doctor of physical therapy (dpt) degree and state licensure.. Employers rarely hire below that level, so this is the first milestone to plan around.
If you are still in school, focus on coursework that maps to the day-to-day work — math and science for technical roles, communication and writing for client-facing ones.
Step 2: Get hands-on training
Classroom work alone is rarely enough. Most people entering this field complete supervised hours through an apprenticeship, clinical rotation, internship or entry-level assistant role before working independently.
Track your hours carefully — licensing boards and employers usually ask for documented experience.
Step 3: Licensing and certification
Requirements vary by state. Check your state board before enrolling in any program, since not every program qualifies you to sit for the exam.
Optional certifications often pay for themselves quickly by moving you into higher-paying specialties.
Step 4: Choose where to work
Location has a large effect on pay. The highest-paying states for this role are California ($110,000), Nevada ($108,000), New Jersey ($106,000).
Compare those figures against cost of living before relocating — a smaller salary in a low-cost state often nets more take-home pay.
Salary and job outlook
The national median is $99,000 per year (about $47.60/hour). Entry-level pay starts near $72,000, while experienced professionals reach $130,000.
Job outlook: 14% growth through 2033 — much faster than average.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a physical therapist?
Most people complete doctor of physical therapy (dpt) degree and state licensure. plus supervised training, which typically takes two to five years depending on the path you choose and whether you study full time.
How much does a physical therapist make?
The national median is $99,000 per year, with a typical range from $72,000 to $130,000.
Is physical therapist a good career?
14% growth through 2033 — much faster than average. Pay is above the national average for many locations, and the skills transfer across employers, which makes the role relatively secure.
See full physical therapist salary data
Compare pay by state and experience level with our physical therapist salary page or the salary calculator.