2027 Entry-Level Jobs With a Physical Therapy Degree

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What entry-level jobs can you get with a physical therapy degree?

Employment for physical therapist assistants and aides is expected to grow by 21% over the decade, highlighting strong demand for entry-level physical therapy job opportunities. These roles provide crucial hands-on experience and help build the professional foundation needed for career advancement.

Below are several common jobs for recent physical therapy graduates that serve as important first steps in the field.

  • Physical Therapy Assistant: PTAs work closely with licensed physical therapists to carry out treatment plans, assist patients with exercises, and monitor their progress. This role sharpens clinical skills and patient interaction, forming a solid base for those pursuing licensure and advanced positions.
  • Rehabilitation Aide: Rehabilitation aides support therapists by preparing equipment, maintaining therapy areas, and helping patients during sessions. This position cultivates organizational abilities and communication skills, crucial for transitioning into more specialized clinical roles.
  • Clinical Coordinator Assistant: Focused on administrative tasks, these assistants manage scheduling and coordinate appointments within physical therapy settings. Exposure to operational workflows broadens understanding of healthcare delivery, aiding graduates in developing a comprehensive view of the profession.
  • Exercise Specialist: Working in fitness or outpatient clinics, exercise specialists design and lead tailored programs that assist patients recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. This job enhances knowledge of exercise physiology and therapeutic methods, complementing physical therapy principles.

Graduates looking to deepen their expertise may also explore programs like RN to BSN online programs to expand their healthcare skill set alongside their physical therapy career.

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Which industries hire the most physical therapy graduates?

Physical therapy graduates enter a range of industries that value their ability to improve patient mobility and facilitate recovery. Data shows that about 60% of these graduates find employment in healthcare settings, reflecting sustained demand for rehabilitative services.

Below are the main industries that hire the most physical therapy graduates, highlighting where their skills are most sought after.

  • Healthcare: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers make up the largest employers of physical therapy graduates. These settings focus on recovery from surgery, injury, or illness, requiring therapists to design personalized plans to restore patient function and reduce pain.
  • Elder Care: Nursing homes and assisted living communities increasingly need therapists to assist aging populations. Physical therapists in this industry manage chronic conditions and mobility challenges, helping seniors maintain independence through coordinated care.
  • Sports and Fitness: Gyms, sports medicine facilities, and athletic organizations hire graduates to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance. Roles often involve rehabilitation and creating customized conditioning programs for active individuals.
  • Home Health Care: Growing demand exists for therapists who provide in-home rehabilitation. This service benefits patients with transportation or mobility limitations by delivering therapy in a convenient, personalized environment.

A physical therapy degree graduate shared their experience entering the workforce, emphasizing the mix of excitement and uncertainty during the job search. "Navigating different industries was overwhelming at first," they recalled. "Each sector required understanding specific patient needs and workplace dynamics."

The graduate also noted how gaining experience in various settings helped clarify their career direction. "I found that hands-on work with seniors challenged me in ways I hadn't expected, but it was incredibly rewarding to see their progress." This perspective illustrates how diverse employment options for physical therapy graduates shape both career choices and professional growth.

Which entry-level physical therapy jobs pay the highest salaries?

Salaries for entry-level jobs in physical therapy vary widely depending on the specific position and the work environment. Roles that require specialized expertise or involve intensive patient care generally command higher starting salaries.

Below are some of the best-paying positions available to recent physical therapy graduates.

  • Outpatient Orthopedic Therapist: These therapists address musculoskeletal injuries mainly in private clinics or specialized outpatient centers. They typically start with salaries ranging from $65,000 to $75,000, reflecting the advanced knowledge and high demand for outpatient orthopedic care.
  • Neurorehabilitation Therapist: Working with patients recovering from neurological events such as strokes or spinal injuries, these therapists earn between $60,000 and $70,000 initially. The complexity and intensity of neurorehabilitation justify their above-average entry-level wages.
  • Pediatric Physical Therapist: Focused on treating children with developmental delays or injuries, pediatric therapists generally see starting salaries between $60,000 and $68,000. Their specialized skills and the patience required for this role contribute to moderately elevated pay.
  • Physical Therapist Assistant in Acute Care: Assisting licensed therapists in hospital or high-acuity settings, these assistants earn between $50,000 and $60,000. Their income tends to be higher than that of PTAs in less demanding environments due to the intensity and fast pace of acute care.

What Graduates Say About Entry-Level Jobs With a Physical Therapy Degree

  • Otis: "Starting my career in physical therapy was an exhilarating journey, especially when applying to roles that offered hybrid schedules. I found that balancing onsite and remote work helped me maintain a strong connection with patients while managing my own time effectively. Choosing a job with mentorship opportunities and diverse patient populations truly set the foundation for my professional growth."
  • Ronan: "Reflecting on my entry-level job search in physical therapy, I realized how crucial factors like workplace culture and location were in my decision-making process. I prioritized roles where teamwork and continued education were emphasized, which made a significant difference in adapting to real-world challenges. These early roles not only expanded my clinical skills but also deeply influenced my career trajectory."
  • Brooks: "Applying for onsite physical therapy positions right after graduation taught me the importance of hands-on experience and patient interaction. I specifically looked for entry-level jobs that offered a structured pathway for advancement and specialization. This stepping stone, despite its challenges, accelerated my confidence and opened doors to leadership roles sooner than I expected."

Other Things You Should Know About Physical Therapy Degrees

What types of work environments should entry-level physical therapy graduates expect?

Entry-level physical therapy graduates typically work in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. These environments demand adaptability as some roles may require working with diverse patient populations, including children, adults, or elderly patients. Work hours can also vary, with some positions requiring evenings or weekends to accommodate patient schedules.

Are there licensing requirements that new physical therapy graduates must fulfill before practicing?

Yes, all physical therapy graduates must obtain state licensure to practice legally in the United States. This process usually involves passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and completing any state-specific requirements. Licensing ensures that practitioners meet professional standards for safe and effective patient care.

What challenges do entry-level physical therapy graduates commonly face in their first jobs?

New graduates often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively, adapting to the administrative demands of healthcare settings, and gaining confidence in clinical decision-making. They may also need to develop strong communication skills to effectively work with patients and multidisciplinary teams. Support from mentors and continued practical experience can help overcome these challenges.