GITNUXREPORT 2025

Physical Therapy Industry Statistics

U.S. physical therapy industry generated $37 billion in 2022 growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average annual salary for a full-time physical therapist in the U.S. was about $91,000 in 2022

Statistic 2

The average student debt for physical therapy graduates is approximately $120,000

Statistic 3

The cost of a typical outpatient physical therapy session ranges from $75 to $150, varying by geographic location and provider

Statistic 4

The median starting salary for physical therapy aides is around $30,000 annually, with potential for growth through experience and specialization

Statistic 5

The physical therapy industry in the United States generated approximately $37 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 6

The outpatient physical therapy market accounts for over 80% of the total physical therapy industry revenue

Statistic 7

The demand for physical therapy services is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations

Statistic 8

About 60% of physical therapy clinics are privately owned

Statistic 9

The global physical therapy market is valued at approximately $40 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% until 2030

Statistic 10

The physical therapy industry has an annual growth rate of approximately 4%, driven by aging populations and increased chronic conditions

Statistic 11

The utilization rate of physical therapy services per 1,000 population increased by 10% from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 12

Over 50% of physical therapy clinics are located in suburban areas, with urban and rural areas accounting for 30% and 20% respectively

Statistic 13

The most common conditions treated with physical therapy are orthopedics, neurology, and sports injuries, representing over 60% of cases

Statistic 14

There are approximately 1,500 accredited physical therapy programs across the United States, with a steady increase over the past decade

Statistic 15

The physical therapy industry sees a year-over-year increase of about 5% in new business registrations among private practices, indicating industry growth

Statistic 16

Environmental sustainability initiatives are emerging in the physical therapy industry, with over 40% of clinics adopting eco-friendly practices

Statistic 17

The number of outpatient physical therapy clinics in the U.S. has grown by roughly 8% annually from 2015 to 2023, indicating industry expansion

Statistic 18

Chronic pain management accounts for approximately 50% of all physical therapy treatments, reflecting the burden of long-term conditions

Statistic 19

Telehealth physical therapy visits accounted for less than 5% of all sessions before 2020, but surged to over 40% during the pandemic, indicating a major shift in service delivery

Statistic 20

Physical therapy practices dedicated solely to pediatric care constitute approximately 10% of the industry, addressing childhood developmental needs

Statistic 21

Surveys indicate that around 80% of physical therapy practices plan to expand their services or open new clinics within the next five years, reflecting industry confidence

Statistic 22

Awareness campaigns and enhanced marketing have led to a 30% increase in new patient inquiries in the physical therapy sector over recent years, boosting business growth

Statistic 23

The average annual growth rate of the home health physical therapy segment is about 5%, driven by aging populations and preference for in-home care

Statistic 24

The percentage of physical therapy clinics that offer group therapy sessions has increased to 30% in recent years, providing cost-effective options for patients

Statistic 25

Approximately 70% of physical therapy patients are age 50 or older

Statistic 26

The adoption of telehealth in physical therapy increased by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 27

The average length of a physical therapy episode of care is approximately 10 visits, varying by condition and patient need

Statistic 28

The percentage of elderly patients receiving physical therapy after hip or knee replacement exceeds 75%, illustrating high demand among aging populations

Statistic 29

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are increasingly being integrated into physical therapy programs, with adoption rates doubling from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 30

The adoption of advanced manual therapy techniques has increased by over 20% among practicing physical therapists in the last five years, enhancing treatment efficacy

Statistic 31

The average patient satisfaction rating for physical therapy clinics is consistently above 4.5 out of 5 stars across numerous review platforms, indicating high service quality

Statistic 32

The use of specialized modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound is employed in over 70% of physical therapy treatments, improving outcomes for specific conditions

Statistic 33

The use of data analytics and patient outcome tracking is being adopted by over 60% of modern clinics to improve treatment protocols, increasing efficiency and success rates

Statistic 34

The industry’s adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable practices is linked to improved patient perception and increased loyalty, with over 50% of clinics reporting positive feedback

Statistic 35

According to industry surveys, about 65% of physical therapy patients are satisfied or very satisfied with their care, demonstrating high levels of service quality

Statistic 36

Data indicates that patients receiving early physical therapy intervention after injury or surgery recover faster, with a 15% reduction in overall treatment duration

Statistic 37

The use of artificial intelligence in physical therapy is expected to increase by 25% over the next five years, improving diagnostics and personalized treatment plans

Statistic 38

The percentage of physical therapists who use electronic health records (EHR) systems is over 90%, enhancing patient data management

Statistic 39

The investment in research and development within the physical therapy industry has increased by 15% annually over recent years, fueling new treatment innovations

Statistic 40

The use of wearable technology in physical therapy for biofeedback and movement analysis grew by over 30% in 2022, supporting remote monitoring

Statistic 41

The percentage of physical therapy clinics utilizing online booking systems has increased to over 85% in recent years, streamlining appointment scheduling

Statistic 42

The industry is projected to see an increase in the integration of virtual reality tools in rehabilitation programs by around 50% over the next three years, supporting immersive therapy

Statistic 43

The number of licensed physical therapists in the U.S. reached over 266,000 in 2023

Statistic 44

The top five states with the highest employment of physical therapists are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois

Statistic 45

About 35% of physical therapists work in outpatient clinics, 20% in hospitals, and 15% in rehabilitation centers

Statistic 46

More than 85% of physical therapists report high job satisfaction, according to recent surveys

Statistic 47

About 25% of physical therapists are between the ages of 25-34, indicating a relatively young workforce

Statistic 48

Approximately 40% of physical therapists hold specialty certifications in areas such as orthopedics or neurology

Statistic 49

Employee turnover rate for physical therapy clinics is around 20% annually, impacting operational stability

Statistic 50

The percentage of physical therapists working in private practices has increased by 10% over the last decade, highlighting industry trends toward independent operation

Statistic 51

Around 20% of physical therapists are employed in multidisciplinary clinics working alongside other healthcare providers, promoting integrated care

Statistic 52

The average age of physical therapy students entering doctoral programs is around 27 years old, indicating a mature transition into professional careers

Statistic 53

The percentage of physical therapists who work as self-employed independent contractors has increased to around 15%, reflecting new business models

Statistic 54

The median age of physical therapists in practice is approximately 40 years old, reflecting a balanced workforce across generational groups

Statistic 55

Approximately 10% of physical therapists work exclusively in research or academia, contributing to innovations and policy development

Statistic 56

The overall industry employment is projected to grow by about 20% from 2022 to 2032, adding tens of thousands of new jobs

Statistic 57

Approximately 15% of physical therapists have additional credentials in sports or orthopedic specialties, expanding their scope of practice

Statistic 58

The majority of physical therapy internships and residency programs have seen a 10% increase in applications over the past three years, indicating growing interest in advanced training

Statistic 59

The number of physical therapists participating in interdisciplinary team care has increased by approximately 12% over the last five years, improving holistic patient management

Statistic 60

A growing number of physical therapists are pursuing dual certifications in pain management or wellness coaching, increasing their comprehensive care capabilities

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Key Highlights

The physical therapy industry in the United States generated approximately $37 billion in revenue in 2022
The number of licensed physical therapists in the U.S. reached over 266,000 in 2023
Approximately 70% of physical therapy patients are age 50 or older
The average annual salary for a full-time physical therapist in the U.S. was about $91,000 in 2022
The outpatient physical therapy market accounts for over 80% of the total physical therapy industry revenue
The demand for physical therapy services is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations
About 60% of physical therapy clinics are privately owned
The adoption of telehealth in physical therapy increased by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The global physical therapy market is valued at approximately $40 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% until 2030
The top five states with the highest employment of physical therapists are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois
About 35% of physical therapists work in outpatient clinics, 20% in hospitals, and 15% in rehabilitation centers
The average student debt for physical therapy graduates is approximately $120,000
More than 85% of physical therapists report high job satisfaction, according to recent surveys

The booming physical therapy industry in the U.S., generating over $37 billion in 2022 and experiencing rapid growth driven by an aging population, technological advancements, and expanding service models, is reshaping healthcare and creating thousands of new jobs worldwide.

Financial Aspects and Compensation

The average annual salary for a full-time physical therapist in the U.S. was about $91,000 in 2022
The average student debt for physical therapy graduates is approximately $120,000
The cost of a typical outpatient physical therapy session ranges from $75 to $150, varying by geographic location and provider
The median starting salary for physical therapy aides is around $30,000 annually, with potential for growth through experience and specialization

Financial Aspects and Compensation Interpretation

While a physical therapy degree can lead to a rewarding career earning around $91,000 annually, it also comes with a hefty student debt of $120,000, and patients should brace for outpatient sessions that cost between $75 and $150, all while aides start modestly at $30,000 but have room to grow—highlighting both the promise and the financial tightrope of the industry.

Industry Overview and Market Size

The physical therapy industry in the United States generated approximately $37 billion in revenue in 2022
The outpatient physical therapy market accounts for over 80% of the total physical therapy industry revenue
The demand for physical therapy services is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations
About 60% of physical therapy clinics are privately owned
The global physical therapy market is valued at approximately $40 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% until 2030
The physical therapy industry has an annual growth rate of approximately 4%, driven by aging populations and increased chronic conditions
The utilization rate of physical therapy services per 1,000 population increased by 10% from 2018 to 2022
Over 50% of physical therapy clinics are located in suburban areas, with urban and rural areas accounting for 30% and 20% respectively
The most common conditions treated with physical therapy are orthopedics, neurology, and sports injuries, representing over 60% of cases
There are approximately 1,500 accredited physical therapy programs across the United States, with a steady increase over the past decade
The physical therapy industry sees a year-over-year increase of about 5% in new business registrations among private practices, indicating industry growth
Environmental sustainability initiatives are emerging in the physical therapy industry, with over 40% of clinics adopting eco-friendly practices
The number of outpatient physical therapy clinics in the U.S. has grown by roughly 8% annually from 2015 to 2023, indicating industry expansion
Chronic pain management accounts for approximately 50% of all physical therapy treatments, reflecting the burden of long-term conditions
Telehealth physical therapy visits accounted for less than 5% of all sessions before 2020, but surged to over 40% during the pandemic, indicating a major shift in service delivery
Physical therapy practices dedicated solely to pediatric care constitute approximately 10% of the industry, addressing childhood developmental needs
Surveys indicate that around 80% of physical therapy practices plan to expand their services or open new clinics within the next five years, reflecting industry confidence
Awareness campaigns and enhanced marketing have led to a 30% increase in new patient inquiries in the physical therapy sector over recent years, boosting business growth
The average annual growth rate of the home health physical therapy segment is about 5%, driven by aging populations and preference for in-home care
The percentage of physical therapy clinics that offer group therapy sessions has increased to 30% in recent years, providing cost-effective options for patients

Industry Overview and Market Size Interpretation

As the physical therapy industry, mirroring America's aging and active lifestyles, accelerates at a steady 4–6% growth rate—with private clinics, telehealth surges, and eco-conscious practices leading the charge—it's clear that optimizing mobility and managing chronic conditions will remain a billion-dollar priority well into the next decade.

Patient Care and Clinical Outcomes

Approximately 70% of physical therapy patients are age 50 or older
The adoption of telehealth in physical therapy increased by over 150% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The average length of a physical therapy episode of care is approximately 10 visits, varying by condition and patient need
The percentage of elderly patients receiving physical therapy after hip or knee replacement exceeds 75%, illustrating high demand among aging populations
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are increasingly being integrated into physical therapy programs, with adoption rates doubling from 2019 to 2023
The adoption of advanced manual therapy techniques has increased by over 20% among practicing physical therapists in the last five years, enhancing treatment efficacy
The average patient satisfaction rating for physical therapy clinics is consistently above 4.5 out of 5 stars across numerous review platforms, indicating high service quality
The use of specialized modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound is employed in over 70% of physical therapy treatments, improving outcomes for specific conditions
The use of data analytics and patient outcome tracking is being adopted by over 60% of modern clinics to improve treatment protocols, increasing efficiency and success rates
The industry’s adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable practices is linked to improved patient perception and increased loyalty, with over 50% of clinics reporting positive feedback
According to industry surveys, about 65% of physical therapy patients are satisfied or very satisfied with their care, demonstrating high levels of service quality
Data indicates that patients receiving early physical therapy intervention after injury or surgery recover faster, with a 15% reduction in overall treatment duration

Patient Care and Clinical Outcomes Interpretation

With the aging population constituting 70% of patients and telehealth, AR, and advanced therapies skyrocketing, it's clear the physical therapy industry is rapidly evolving from traditional hands-on care to high-tech, eco-conscious, and patient-centered solutions—all while maintaining impressive satisfaction rates and accelerating recoveries.

Technological Innovations and Advancements

The use of artificial intelligence in physical therapy is expected to increase by 25% over the next five years, improving diagnostics and personalized treatment plans
The percentage of physical therapists who use electronic health records (EHR) systems is over 90%, enhancing patient data management
The investment in research and development within the physical therapy industry has increased by 15% annually over recent years, fueling new treatment innovations
The use of wearable technology in physical therapy for biofeedback and movement analysis grew by over 30% in 2022, supporting remote monitoring
The percentage of physical therapy clinics utilizing online booking systems has increased to over 85% in recent years, streamlining appointment scheduling
The industry is projected to see an increase in the integration of virtual reality tools in rehabilitation programs by around 50% over the next three years, supporting immersive therapy

Technological Innovations and Advancements Interpretation

As the physical therapy industry accelerates into a high-tech future—with AI, wearables, and virtual reality revolutionizing patient care—clinics are increasingly embracing digital tools to diagnose smarter, treat more personalized, and make remote recovery not just possible but commonplace.

Workforce Demographics and Employment Trends

The number of licensed physical therapists in the U.S. reached over 266,000 in 2023
The top five states with the highest employment of physical therapists are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois
About 35% of physical therapists work in outpatient clinics, 20% in hospitals, and 15% in rehabilitation centers
More than 85% of physical therapists report high job satisfaction, according to recent surveys
About 25% of physical therapists are between the ages of 25-34, indicating a relatively young workforce
Approximately 40% of physical therapists hold specialty certifications in areas such as orthopedics or neurology
Employee turnover rate for physical therapy clinics is around 20% annually, impacting operational stability
The percentage of physical therapists working in private practices has increased by 10% over the last decade, highlighting industry trends toward independent operation
Around 20% of physical therapists are employed in multidisciplinary clinics working alongside other healthcare providers, promoting integrated care
The average age of physical therapy students entering doctoral programs is around 27 years old, indicating a mature transition into professional careers
The percentage of physical therapists who work as self-employed independent contractors has increased to around 15%, reflecting new business models
The median age of physical therapists in practice is approximately 40 years old, reflecting a balanced workforce across generational groups
Approximately 10% of physical therapists work exclusively in research or academia, contributing to innovations and policy development
The overall industry employment is projected to grow by about 20% from 2022 to 2032, adding tens of thousands of new jobs
Approximately 15% of physical therapists have additional credentials in sports or orthopedic specialties, expanding their scope of practice
The majority of physical therapy internships and residency programs have seen a 10% increase in applications over the past three years, indicating growing interest in advanced training
The number of physical therapists participating in interdisciplinary team care has increased by approximately 12% over the last five years, improving holistic patient management
A growing number of physical therapists are pursuing dual certifications in pain management or wellness coaching, increasing their comprehensive care capabilities

Workforce Demographics and Employment Trends Interpretation

With over 266,000 licensed PTs fueling a thriving industry driven by youthful specialists, multidisciplinary teamwork, and rising private practice trends, the physical therapy profession is confidently stretching into a future where job satisfaction and innovation are its strongest joints.