2023 is looking good for the employment of physical therapists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the employment of physical therapists will grow by 27% between now and 2030. This growth is much quicker than the average growth rate for all professions. About 15,400 opportunities for physical therapists are projected each year over the decade.

An Aging Population

The baby boomer generation is phasing out of the workforce. Estimates suggest that 41 million workers are leaving the workforce and retiring. As this generation transitions into retirement, they will need care for chronic health conditions, age-related ailments, and senior living injuries. There is an increasing demand for physical therapists to care for and treat this generation. The increased demand is attributed partly to many aging baby boomers staying more active than their equals in previous generations. Older people are more apt to experience heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related grievances that require physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Chronic Conditions

Several chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, have become more common. More physical therapists are needed to help these patients sustain their mobility and manage the effects of chronic conditions. Medical and technological developments will increase trauma victims’ survival rates, creating additional demand for rehabilitative care.

Nationwide Expansion

Due to the growing demand for qualified professionals, enhanced ability to provide care faster, and an ever-growing list of patients who need care, physical therapy will continue to experience nationwide expansion in 2023. Physical therapy businesses across the country are seeing rapid growth and development as they strive to keep up with the rising demand for physical therapy services.

Job Opportunities

Physical therapists will find numerous opportunities in acute care centers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine clinics, and home health care settings. Of course, you can go beyond your basic skills and specialize in a specific type of practice. You can specialize once you meet the requirements of the  American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. There are numerous specialties to consider, each with a unique purpose and set of responsibilities.

Salary

The salary of a physical therapist will vary widely from state to state and according to education and experience. All physical therapists can make a substantial income from traveling or remaining hourly. According to the BLS, the average annual wage for physical therapists was $95,620 in 2021. The highest-paid 10% made more than $127,110, while the lowest-paid 10% made $61,930.

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