Physical Therapy Industry Statistics

The physical therapy industry plays a vital role in helping individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and maintain overall mobility and quality of life. With an aging population, rising prevalence of musculoskeletal and chronic conditions, and increasing awareness of rehabilitation benefits, demand for physical therapy services continues to grow.

In this comprehensive breakdown of physical therapy industry statistics, we’ll explore the market’s current size, projected growth, employment trends, wages, key services, and the factors driving demand, giving an educational overview of the industry today.

The Size of the Physical Therapy Industry

The U.S. physical therapy services market was valued at $47.59 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2030. By 2030, the market is expected to expand to $61.70 billion.

This growth reflects the increasing need for rehabilitation services due to an aging population, a rise in chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes, and a shift toward outpatient care settings.

There are 303,051 licensed physical therapists and 130,171 licensed physical therapist assistants in the United States, providing services across clinics, hospitals, and home care settings, according to the 2023 FSBPT Census of Licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.

Employment and Job Outlook

Physical Therapists

Our physical therapy industry statistics indicate that employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Each year, approximately 13,200 openings are expected due to retirements and occupational changes.

Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides

Employment of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, with about 26,400 openings annually. The demand reflects expanding outpatient care, home health services, and rehabilitation needs.

Average Wages

Physical Therapists

Below are the estimates of wages for physical therapists expressed in percentages:

Percentile	Hourly Wage	Annual Wage
10%	$34.74	$72,260
25%	$39.41	$81,970
Median (50%)	$47.94	$99,710
75%	$54.63	$113,630
90%	$62.92	$130,870

Physical Therapist Assistants

Below are the estimates of wages for physical therapists assistants expressed in percentages:

Percentile	Hourly Wage	Annual Wage
10%	$20.24	$42,110
25%	$27.16	$56,490
Median (50%)	$30.81	$64,080
75%	$36.83	$76,610
90%	$42.71	$88,830

What’s Driving Growth in the Physical Therapy Industry

Several key factors are fueling expansion in the U.S. physical therapy industry, according to recent physical therapy industry statistics:

1. Aging Population

According to U.S. Census Bureau projections, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach 77 million by 2034, significantly increasing the need for physical therapy and rehabilitation services.

2. Rise in Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as arthritis, obesity, and diabetes increase the need for preventive and restorative therapy. This trend ensures consistent demand for physical therapy services.

3. Technological Advancements

Telehealth, wearable sensors, and robotic-assisted therapy have improved patient access, treatment outcomes, and efficiency, allowing clinics to reach more patients effectively.

4. Cost-Effective Care

Physical therapy is often a less expensive alternative to surgery or long-term medication, driving utilization among patients seeking non-invasive treatment.

5. Outpatient and Home-Based Services

The industry has seen a shift toward outpatient clinics and home health services, which are more convenient and often preferred by patients recovering from injuries or surgery.

Common Physical Therapy Services

Physical therapy services encompass a wide range of interventions, including:

Service Type	Description	Utilization Notes
Orthopedic Therapy	Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal injuries	Most common therapy type for sports injuries, joint replacements, and fractures
Neurological Therapy	Treatment for stroke, MS, Parkinson’s	Growing demand with aging population
Pediatric Therapy	Developmental and mobility interventions for children	Increasing recognition in early intervention programs
Geriatric Therapy	Mobility, balance, fall prevention	Critical for aging population; high demand in senior care facilities
Cardiopulmonary Therapy	Rehabilitation after heart or lung surgery	Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular conditions

Challenges Facing the Physical Therapy Industry

As the market continues to expand, physical therapy industry statistics highlight several key challenges that clinics and providers must navigate:

Labor Shortages: There is a projected shortage of skilled therapists to meet growing demand.
Insurance Reimbursement: Variations in coverage impact patient access and clinic revenue.
Regulatory Compliance: Licensing and state regulations differ across regions.
Technology Costs: Investment in telehealth and advanced rehabilitation equipment can be expensive.

These challenges highlight the need for strategic planning, workforce development, and technology adoption to ensure clinics can continue delivering high-quality care to a growing patient population.

Economic Impact

The physical therapy industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy by employing thousands of licensed therapists, aides, and administrative staff. Its growth also supports ancillary services, including medical equipment supply, home care, and insurance services.

According to the latest physical therapy industry statistics, the U.S. physical therapy services market, which includes clinic visits, rehabilitation programs, and outpatient care, is projected to exceed $61 billion by 2030. This growth highlights physical therapy’s vital role in healthcare and the expanding job and business opportunities in the industry.

Conclusion

The physical therapy industry is expanding rapidly due to demographic trends, chronic health conditions, technological advancements, and a focus on cost-effective care. Employment opportunities are strong, wages are competitive, and the demand for skilled therapists continues to rise.

Understanding these physical therapy industry statistics is crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to navigate this dynamic sector. For clinics and agencies looking to optimize their workforce, partnering with a reliable talent sourcing agency can help ensure the right therapists and staff are in place to meet growing demand.

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