Salary Range
Low (10th %)$72,260
Median$99,710
High (90th %)$130,870
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Assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
The occupation of "Physical Therapists" has an automation risk of 36.9%, which is slightly below the base risk of 37.5%. This relatively moderate risk reflects the balance between structured, automatable procedures and the nuanced, interpersonal skills required in physical therapy. While certain tasks involve routine and documentation processes that are susceptible to automation, the profession also demands adaptable thinking and personalized patient care that technology currently struggles to replicate. The variability and complexity of patient needs often require real-time problem-solving, making it more difficult for automated systems to fully replace human physical therapists. Among the most automatable tasks are those with repetitive or standardized elements. "Planning, preparing, or carrying out individually designed programs of physical treatment" can, in part, be automated through software that generates or assists in creating treatment plans based on patient data. "Performing and documenting an initial exam" and "recording prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in a patient's chart or computer" also have high automation potential, as advances in digital health records and AI-enabled diagnostics can streamline these processes. These tasks rely heavily on data entry, pattern recognition, and adherence to established protocols, making them ideal candidates for automation. Conversely, the tasks most resistant to automation demand a high degree of human interaction, decision-making, and creativity. "Directing group rehabilitation activities" involves direct supervision, motivation, and adaptation to dynamic group needs, skills that are not easily replicated by machines. Participation in "community or community agency activities or helping to formulate public policy" requires advocacy, negotiation, and understanding of social dynamics, all areas where automation faces significant barriers. Finally, "conducting or supporting research and applying research findings to practice" relies on originality—a bottleneck skill with very low levels of automatable potential (Originality at 3.0% and 3.1%)—underscoring the profession's ongoing need for human judgment, creativity, and evidence-based adaptation to new knowledge.
Filter by Automatable Status
Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
Partially Automatable
Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
Partially Automatable
Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
Partially Automatable
Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
Partially Automatable
Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
Non-Automatable
Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
Non-Automatable
Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.
Partially Automatable
Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
Partially Automatable
Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
Partially Automatable
Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits, and any reasonable alternatives.
Partially Automatable
Provide educational information about physical therapy or physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics, or ways to promote health.
Automatable
Inform patients and refer to appropriate practitioners when diagnosis reveals findings outside physical therapy.
Partially Automatable
Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
Non-Automatable
Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machines.
Non-Automatable
Refer clients to community resources or services.
Partially Automatable
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.
Partially Automatable
Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.
Non-Automatable
Teach physical therapy students or those in other health professions.
Partially Automatable
Participate in community or community agency activities or help to formulate public policy.
Partially Automatable
Direct group rehabilitation activities.
Partially Automatable
Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.
Partially Automatable
Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.
Partially Automatable
Conduct or support research and apply research findings to practice.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
MEDITECH softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OutlookBiometrics video game softwareClinicient InsightExercise routine creation softwareHands On Technology TheraWriter.PTMediGraphPatient charting softwareSpectraSoft AppointmentsCSMedical condition coding softwareRecordkeeping softwareMEDITECH softwareBiometrics video game softwareClinicient InsightHands On Technology TheraWriter.PTMediGraphPatient charting softwareSpectraSoft AppointmentsCSCedaron Dexter Evaluation & Impairment RatingMedical procedure coding softwareMedical procedure coding softwareeClinicalWorks EHR softwareExercise routine creation softwarePrognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccesseClinicalWorks EHR softwareRecordkeeping softwareRehab Documentation Company ReDoc SuiteRehab Documentation Company ReDoc SuitePrognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccessCedaron Dexter Evaluation & Impairment RatingAdvantage Software Physical Therapy AdvantageAdvantage Software Physical Therapy AdvantageMedical condition coding softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Occupational Therapists
Medium41.83%
Assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual's environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
Radiation Therapists
Medium42.66%
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Recreational Therapists
Low31.26%
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Respiratory Therapists
Low32.47%
Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.
Registered Nurses
Medium37.38%
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Acute Care Nurses
Medium35.99%
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Medium38.93%
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Medium40.96%
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Nurse Practitioners
Medium43.76%
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Family Medicine Physicians
Medium43.08%
Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
Pediatricians, General
Medium39.09%
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries in children. May refer patients to specialists for further diagnosis or treatment, as needed.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
Medium37.64%
Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Psychiatric Technicians
Low21.57%
Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Low32.46%
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Occupational Therapy Aides
Low32.90%
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Low22.30%
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Physical Therapist Aides
Low24.73%
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Medium39.81%
Provide therapy to patients with visual impairments to improve their functioning in daily life activities. May train patients in activities such as computer use, communication skills, or home management skills.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Medium42.70%
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Exercise Physiologists
Medium48.16%
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Art Therapists
Medium42.23%
Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
Music Therapists
Medium36.80%
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Sports Medicine Physicians
Medium44.58%
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
Medical Dosimetrists
Medium49.20%
Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Medium36.05%
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Athletic Trainers
Low32.10%
Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.
Massage Therapists
Low22.89%
Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. May assist in the assessment of range of motion and muscle strength, or propose client therapy plans.
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Medium41.02%
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in exercise activities for the primary purpose of personal fitness. Demonstrate techniques and form, observe participants, and explain to them corrective measures necessary to improve their skills. Develop and implement individualized approaches to exercise.