Jobs in physical therapy offer some of the most rewarding and flexible opportunities in the healthcare industry. In 2024, the demand for skilled PTs is growing, with roles available across various diverse settings.
Want to level up your career as a PT? Keep reading to discover some of the most in-demand settings for PT jobs, what to expect in each role, and how to land your dream position.
Why Seek Jobs in Physical Therapy?
Make a Difference in Patients’ Lives
As a PT, you’ll get the unique opportunity to spend quality time with patients and truly get to know them. The work you’ll do can make a visible difference in their lives. There’s something incredibly satisfying about applying your knowledge and skills to help people feel better and live better lives.
Enjoy a More Flexible Schedule Than Most
Jobs in physical therapy often offer more flexibility, especially compared to other healthcare roles. Depending on your workplace, you might even work a traditional 9-5 schedule.
Once you build your resume, many PTs also evolve to become entrepreneurs. This gives you the future opportunity to gain control over your career and a better work-life balance.
Experience Unique Job Security
The outlook for PT jobs over the next 10 years is 15%, meaning jobs in physical therapy will continue to grow much faster than other industries.
As a PT, you can choose to work across several different settings. This means you can pivot specialties and switch settings as needed, increasing your job security and avoiding burnout.
In-Demand Jobs in Physical Therapy
Looking for jobs in physical therapy to grow your career? You can advance your career by specializing in an in-demand practice area, gaining leadership and management responsibilities, and expanding your overall experience.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most in-demand settings PTs should consider in 2024:
Long-Term Care (LTC) & Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
Patients in nursing care facilities will benefit from your expertise as you empower them to live a better quality of life. You’ll help them understand their pain and impairments by motivating and educating them to improve.
Skilled nursing facilities are the 5th most common setting for PT jobs, and it’s continuing to fill with opportunities due to the needs of the growing aging population. That’s one of the reasons why PTs in nursing care facilities earn a competitive average salary of $101,200/year or $48.65/hour.
Home Health
Not only is home health the 3rd most common place to find PT jobs, but it’s also the 2nd-highest paying setting for physical therapists, offering an average salary of $116,500/year or $56.01/hour.
Home health is known as one of the least taxing settings for PTs, making it a great option for introverts seeking work-life balance. You can expect more documentation, case management, and one-on-one care for your patients. Like SNFs and LTCs, this setting is continually growing in demand due to the aging population.
Rehab
You’ll help patients recover from injuries or surgeries by designing and guiding them through exercise programs aimed at restoring movement, strength, and function.
Rehab settings provide a deeply rewarding experience for physical therapists as they help patients take their first steps or regain strength after a stroke, accident, or injury. Rehab jobs in physical therapy allow you to make a significant, positive impact on patients’ lives.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient care is the highest-paying setting for physical therapists, with an average salary of $123,900/year or $59.57/hour. This hands-on, dynamic job will increase your skills as you work to solve a diverse range of patients and problems, including chronic pain, falls, Parkinson’s, and postoperative concerns. You’ll see multiple patients daily, offering many opportunities to learn, grow, and level up in your career.
Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC)
In long-term acute care, you’ll focus on treating patients with complex medical conditions or prolonged illnesses to improve their mobility, prevent complications, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Be prepared to make critical decisions alongside the healthcare team. This setting is ideal for specialists who thrive on solving challenging medical issues and working in a collaborative environment.
PRN (As-Needed)
Want more flexibility and higher pay? PRN roles offer contract work on an “as needed” basis, giving you more control over your hours. While benefits may not be included, the increased hourly rate compensates for it. You can choose when to work as a PRN physical therapist, providing unparalleled flexibility as you fill in for in-demand shifts.
Travel Physical Therapy
Travel PT jobs offer the chance to work in various hospitals, clinics, and facilities, covering absences and shortages in different facilities across the U.S. This role gives you the freedom to meet new people, explore new places, and gain diverse experience. Like PRN roles, travel PT jobs typically pay more per hour than staff positions, adding to their appeal!
How to Find the Best Jobs in Physical Therapy
The best way to find PT jobs and level up your career is to work with a healthcare recruitment agency. Here’s how you can get started.
Step 1: Get in touch with the agency.
Fill out an intake form to let them know what kinds of jobs in physical therapy you’re looking for.
Step 2: Start your search together.
Your physical therapy recruiter will connect you to the PT jobs that match your desired setting, experience, goals, pay, and needs.
Ready to get started now? Search local, travel, and per diem PT jobs nationwide to grow your physical therapy career today!