Also called: Sports PT, Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Helps athletes recover from injuries and surgery through exercise, manual therapy, and movement training.
A sports PT might guide a high school soccer player through ACL rehab, testing strength and balance before return to play. They design exercise programs and use hands-on techniques. Some work with pro teams or dance companies.
Based on BLS physical therapists, May 2024 estimates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 7 years after high school. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree plus license; sports specialist certification (SCS) optional.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biology.
Growing much faster than average (about 11% over 10 years). Much-faster-than-average growth projected.
Low risk for 10 years. AI motion apps help home programs; hands-on rehab and judging recovery stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, Anatomy and physiology, AP Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1123.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.