Introduction
Physical therapy is a rewarding profession that helps individuals recover from injuries, disabilities, and illnesses. However, many people are unsure about what the highest paying physical therapy specialties are and how to pursue them. In this article, we will explore the top-paying physical therapy specialties and examine their earning potential. We will also discuss the financial benefits of pursuing a specialized field in physical therapy and factors that may affect future earning potential.
Exploring the Top-Paying Physical Therapy Specialties: An In-Depth Analysis
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on the prevention, treatment, and management of movement disorders and functional impairments. A physical therapy specialization is a specific area of expertise within this profession that requires advanced knowledge and skills.
To become a physical therapy specialist, one must first obtain a degree in physical therapy, which typically takes three years of graduate study. After graduation, a physical therapist can pursue a residency or fellowship program in a specialized field, which usually lasts one to two years.
Specialization in physical therapy can lead to higher salaries due to the advanced skills and knowledge required. Factors that contribute to a high-paying physical therapy specialty include demand for services, level of expertise required, and level of experience.
Some of the top-paying physical therapy specialties include:
The Financial Benefits of Pursuing a Specialized Field in Physical Therapy
Specializing in a field of physical therapy can lead to higher salaries due to the advanced skills and knowledge required. For instance, a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedics, which are high-paying specializations, may earn an average salary of $89,000 per year compared to the average salary of $70,000 per year for a general physical therapist.
The financial benefits of pursuing a specialized field in physical therapy are numerous. This includes higher salaries, better job security, and more opportunities for advancement. Additionally, pursuing a specialized field in physical therapy can lead to job satisfaction due to the ability to focus on specific patient populations and conditions.
There are pros and cons to specializing in physical therapy. One advantage is the potential for higher salaries and job security. However, specializing may limit job opportunities and require additional education and training.
Which Physical Therapy Specializations Offer the Highest Salaries in 2021
There are several physical therapy specializations that offer high salaries in 2021. These specializations include:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Orthopedics is known for its high-paying salaries, with physical therapists specializing in this field earning an average annual salary of $89,000. Physical therapists specializing in sports medicine and pediatrics also have the potential to earn high salaries, with annual salaries averaging $86,000 and $82,000, respectively.
Neurology and geriatrics are also high-paying physical therapy specializations, with average annual salaries of $80,000 and $78,000, respectively.
Breaking Down the Earning Potential of Over 10 Physical Therapy Specialties
The earning potential of physical therapy specialties varies depending on the specialization and level of experience. Some physical therapy specializations with high earning potential include:
- Cardiopulmonary
- Hand Therapy
- Oncology
- Women’s Health
- Animal-assisted Therapy
Physical therapists specializing in cardiopulmonary, hand therapy, and oncology may earn an average annual salary of $77,000, $80,000, and $79,000, respectively. On the other hand, physical therapists specializing in women’s health and animal-assisted therapy may earn an average annual salary of $71,000 and $73,000, respectively.
The earning potential of each physical therapy specialization can vary based on location, setting, and years of experience.
How to Choose a Physical Therapy Specialization Based on Salary and Job Outlook
When choosing a physical therapy specialization, it is essential to consider several factors, including salary and job outlook. Some other factors to consider are personal interest, setting, location, and patient population.
Orthopedics and sports medicine offer high salaries and job security due to their demand, but these specializations may require long hours and a rigorous schedule. Specializing in pediatrics or animal-assisted therapy may offer a more flexible schedule but may require additional training and specialization.
It is also important to consider the job market for each specialization. Specializing in an underrepresented area, such as women’s health or oncology, may lead to better job opportunities due to the lower number of specialized professionals in these areas.
The Future of Financial Gain in Physical Therapy and Which Specialties Are Best Positioned
The future of financial gain in physical therapy depends on various factors such as population trends, legislation, and healthcare policies. However, the field of physical therapy is expected to grow over the next decade, with an estimated 28% increase in job openings.
Specializations expected to have the highest growth in demand include geriatrics, sports medicine, and women’s health. There may also be increased demand for physical therapists in rural areas and telehealth services, which may create new opportunities for specialized fields.
Conclusion
Physical therapy is a dynamic field with numerous specialized areas that offer high salaries and job security. Orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, neurology, and geriatrics are some of the top-paying physical therapy specialties in 2021. Pursuing a specialized career in physical therapy can lead to financial benefits and job satisfaction. Factors to consider when choosing a specialization include salary, job outlook, personal interest, and patient population.
