For Educators: Military Resources
Military Physical Therapists
Median Salary
97,001
Workforce Count
481
In-Demand
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Physical therapists examine patients and develop treatment plans to enhance mobility, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They provide therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, or treatments such as ultrasound, taping, or electrical stimulation. Additionally, they teach patients how to prevent or manage their conditions so they will achieve long-term health benefits.
What is the work environment like?
Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities.
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
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for physical therapists primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Physical therapists often have the opportunity to teach, research, and learn at various health education programs. Like other officers working in healthcare, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, orientation to military structure, healthcare and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Physical Therapy/Therapist
- Kinesiotherapy/Kinesiotherapist
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?
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- 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.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
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.