Physical therapy (PT) is a dynamic and rewarding career focused on improving patients’ movement, function, and quality of life. Beyond general practice, physical therapists can pursue specialized fields to work with specific populations, conditions, or environments. These PT specializations often require additional training or certification but can lead to higher pay, increased job opportunities, and deeply meaningful work.
Below is an overview of key PT specializations, the type of work involved, typical educational requirements, average salaries, and where these roles are in demand.
1. Pediatric physical therapy
Pediatric physical therapists work with infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental, neuromuscular, or orthopedic conditions. They help improve motor skills, coordination, and physical independence.
Typical work includes:
- Treating children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or muscular dystrophy
- Designing play-based therapy plans
- Working in hospitals, early intervention centers, or schools
How to specialize:
- Obtain a DPT (doctor of physical therapy) degree
- Complete pediatric-specific clinical experience
- Optional: Become a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist (PCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
Average pay: $80,000–$95,000/year
Where jobs are: Children’s hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, home health, and early intervention programs
2. Sports physical therapy
Sports PTs focus on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Typical work includes:
- Rehabilitating ACL tears, sprains, and overuse injuries
- Developing sport-specific return-to-play programs
- Working with teams or individual athletes
How to specialize:
- DPT degree
- Optional residency in sports PT
- Board certification as a Sports Certified Specialist (SCS)
Average pay: $90,000–$115,000/year
(Salaries may be higher with professional or collegiate sports organizations.)
Where jobs are: Sports medicine clinics, high schools, colleges, professional teams, Olympic training centers
3. Animal (canine/equine) physical therapy
Animal physical therapy is a niche field where PTs work with veterinarians to help dogs, horses, and other animals recover from injuries or surgeries.
Typical work includes:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., cruciate ligament repair in dogs)
- Improving mobility in aging pets
- Hydrotherapy, massage, and stretching
How to specialize:
- PT licensure
- Certification through programs like the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI) or University of Tennessee’s CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) program
Average pay: $60,000–$85,000/year
(Private practice or self-employed animal PTs may earn more)
Where jobs are: Veterinary clinics, rehabilitation centers, equestrian facilities, mobile practices
4. Travel physical therapy
Travel PTs work short-term contracts across the country, often filling in for staff shortages in rural or high-need areas.
Typical work includes:
- General physical therapy duties depending on the setting (outpatient, acute care, SNFs)
- Flexibility and adaptability in different clinics or hospitals
How to specialize:
- No additional certification required
- Partner with travel staffing agencies
- Must hold licensure in each state where work is performed (compact licensure helps)
Average pay: $90,000–$130,000/year
(Higher due to stipends, housing allowances, and bonuses)
Where jobs are: Rural hospitals, underserved regions, seasonal tourist destinations
5. Occupational/industrial physical therapy
These PTs focus on injury prevention, ergonomics, and rehabilitation in workplace settings, helping employees recover and return to work safely.
Typical work includes:
- Job-specific rehab plans
- Ergonomic assessments
- Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs)
How to specialize:
- DPT degree
- Additional training in occupational health or certification in ergonomics may be helpful
Average pay: $85,000–$105,000/year
Where jobs are: Manufacturing plants, corporate offices, industrial job sites, rehab clinics
Conclusion on PT specializations
Specializing as a physical therapist opens doors to rewarding and diverse career paths. Whether you’re passionate about helping children, athletes, animals, or workers, each specialization offers unique challenges and opportunities. Most specializations require a DPT, hands-on experience, and in many cases, board certification. Salaries vary based on setting, location, and experience, but generally increase with specialization.