LinkedIn recently published its annual Jobs on the Rise list, which features the 25 fastest-growing jobs in America. While professions such as engineers and some C-suite roles made the list, there was a noticeable absence of healthcare positions. The only two roles included were advanced practice providers (No. 22) and physical therapists (No. 3).

LinkedIn’s data-driven ranking placed physical therapists at number three, only behind artificial intelligence engineers and consultants. The world of physical therapy is growing expeditiously. With physical therapy ranking as one of the most in-demand careers, now is the perfect time to jump into this rewarding field that offers job security, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact with patients and enjoy a competitive salary.

Building long-lasting job security

One significant reason physical therapy jobs are on the rise is the unique benefits these positions provide. At the forefront of these benefits is job security. According to industry analysts, the field is projected to grow by nearly 20% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is driven by an aging population and a clearly increasing need for physical therapy. Choosing physical therapy as a career and securing a position likely means you will have long-term job security.

The need for physical therapists is on the rise as patients everywhere are turning to physical therapy to deal with their pain rather than undergoing surgery. Studies have recently shown that physical therapy can actually prevent unnecessary procedures. Vijay Yanamadala, MD, MBA, FAANS, FCNS, a spine surgeon, is prescribing physical therapy to steer patients away from unnecessary surgeries.

Yanamadala uses companies such as Sword Health to provide digital therapy to his patients. Sword Health combines AI and telehealth to provide pain relief to patients from the comfort of their own homes. Among his patients who want to undergo spine surgery, 60% have opted out of these surgeries since undergoing regular physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy has become a non-invasive approach to handling pain and patients are embracing that. This provides additional job security for the profession, especially as surgery costs rise.

Banking on flexibility

On the surface, physical therapy would seem to be a strictly in-person role. However, in 2025, that’s no longer the case. Upwards of 2% of physical therapists say they’re in hybrid roles. Another 0.3% say they have remote physical therapy jobs. While those numbers without context aren’t impressive, they do show that the industry is shifting toward more flexibility with therapy positions.

Remote physical therapy jobs are increasingly becoming a viable option for professionals looking to expand their reach and enhance their work-life balance. Through telehealth platforms, physical therapists can now conduct evaluations, guide exercises, and provide patient education—all from the comfort of their homes. This not only allows therapists to connect with patients who may have limited access to in-person care but also creates opportunities for clinicians to diversify their career paths. As technology continues to advance, remote physical therapy jobs are likely to play a larger role in shaping the future of the profession.

Earning potential in physical therapy

According to industry experts, the average annual salary for physical therapists is $100,440, translating to an hourly rate of just over $48. Even those in the lowest 10% of this field earn well over $70,000 each year. In comparison, the average salary for a healthcare professional is around $75,000. This indicates that even the lower end of physical therapists likely earns more annually than the average healthcare worker.

In many states, including Alaska, California, Nevada, New Jersey, and Texas, the average hourly rate for physical therapists exceeds $50. Using the StaffDNA® digital marketplace, we see numerous jobs offering hourly rates well over $70 and even $80 in certain parts of the country. Regardless of how you look at it, if you pursue a career in physical therapy, you’re sure to enjoy significant financial benefits.

A multitude of specialties and settings

After obtaining a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), countless career opportunities open up—especially with the wide range of positions available on the StaffDNA® job marketplace. For those willing to pursue additional training post-degree, there are many unique specializations in physical therapy. Cardiovascular, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and sports therapy are just a few of the specialties that physical therapy offers.

Additionally, there is a broad range of work environments to choose from depending on the specialty you pursue, including clinics, fitness centers, hospitals, nursing homes, patients’ homes, private practices, sports facilities, and more. No matter where you reside, you’ll have plenty of options.

Life as a physical therapist

Physical therapy is a profession that transforms lives, empowering patients to overcome challenges and regain their independence. From restoring mobility to building strength, physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve their goals. At StaffDNA®, we connect professionals with various physical therapy jobs—from staff to travel to per diem roles—ensuring that therapists nationwide have opportunities to make a meaningful impact while advancing their careers.

“As a physical therapist, I have the opportunity to help patients return to their prior level of function (PLOF) or even improve beyond that, restore their lives, enhance their quality of life and empower them to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said a StaffDNA® physical therapist.

For therapists, the ability to restore patients’ confidence and quality of life is what makes this career so fulfilling. With access to flexible therapy jobs through StaffDNA®, physical therapists can expand their reach, explore new environments and continue improving lives across the country. Whether you’re seeking permanent, per diem, or travel opportunities, StaffDNA® makes it easy to find physical therapy jobs that fit your goals and lifestyle.

The future of physical therapy

Physical therapy jobs provide therapists with a dynamic and rewarding opportunity that continues to grow and evolve, presenting exceptional prospects for healthcare professionals seeking job security, flexibility, and financial stability. With its broad range of specialties and work environments, the profession accommodates diverse interests and career goals, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about helping others enhance their quality of life. As the demand for non-invasive, patient-centered care increases, physical therapists are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact while enjoying a fulfilling and prosperous career.

With StaffDNA®, finding therapy jobs you love has never been easier. Simply download the app for free and fill in your profession and specialty. Without even registering, you’ll immediately have access to thousands of the highest-paying physical therapy jobs, along with full job details such as complete pay transparency, across all 50 states.