The DPT is the entry-level degree for physical therapists for which there will be an increased demand as our population ages. The California Employment Development Department estimated that between 2020 and 2030, there will be a need for an additional 4,700 physical therapists in the state, which represents a 19% increase. The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).