For Educators: Military Resources
Military Physical and Occupational Therapy Specialists
Median Salary
97,001
Workforce Count
481
In-Demand
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Physical and occupational therapy specialists assist physical and occupational therapists 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 the therapist. All of this is done with the goal of helping their patients regain strength and mobility.
What is the work environment like?
Physical and occupational therapy specialists work in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
How many people have this role in the Military?
481
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$78,201
2 Years
$95,911
6 Years
$120,689
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Physical and occupational therapy specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in providing patient healthcare, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Anatomy, physiology, and psychology
- Methods of therapy, including massage, electric therapy, and radiation therapy
- Handling and positioning of patients
- Principles of rehabilitation
- Patient care
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interests
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Medicine and Dentistry
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Social
You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestData supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.