Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 15.1% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 13 200
Direct AI exposure: 13% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 55% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Physiotherapists. According to the wage tables, average income is $96K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $62K per year | $83K per year | $96K per year | $105K per year | $117K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average. | ||||
Physical Therapists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.
Physical Therapists play a critical role in the healthcare system by helping patients regain mobility and manage pain, often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in a variety of therapeutic settings.
Their role is not just limited to rehabilitation but also includes promoting overall health and wellness through proactive management of conditions. Physical Therapists must be excellent communicators, both in listening to the concerns of their patients and in explaining treatment protocols.
The profession requires a strong foundation in science, including biology, anatomy, and physiology. It is a career that demands patience, compassion, and the ability to motivate patients, along with an in-depth understanding of physical movement and the human body.
To become a Physical Therapist (commonly called a Physiotherapist in Canada), an individual must complete a master's degree in physical therapy, which typically takes 2 years following a 4-year undergraduate degree, for a total of about 6 years of post-secondary education. Graduates must pass the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) and register with the appropriate provincial regulatory college to practise.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
