1

Aquatic Physical Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Physical Therapist

Fairport, NY · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Our Aquatic Physical Therapy services are rendered in the beautiful pool facility located within the Perinton Recreation Center. At the Fairport clinic, we're a close, friendly team that shares a ...

Physical Therapist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

San Jose Job Type: Full-time/Part-time Contact: lilla@imotionpt.com Our San Jose clinic offers a unique approach to physical therapy by providing both land-based and aquatic physical therapy under ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Aquatic Physical Therapy information

See salary details

$1.1K

$1.9K

$2.5K

How much do aquatic physical therapy jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average weekly pay for aquatic physical therapy in the United States is $1,859.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,596.15 and $2,067.31 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aquatic physical therapy?

Aquatic physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that takes place in a pool or other aquatic environment. It uses the properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure, to help patients improve mobility, strength, and function while reducing pain and stress on joints. This therapy is often used for rehabilitation after injury or surgery, for people with chronic pain, arthritis, or neurological conditions, and for those who may have difficulty exercising on land. The water allows for easier movement and can make therapy more comfortable and effective for certain populations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquatic physical therapist?

To thrive as an Aquatic Physical Therapist, you need a solid background in physical therapy principles, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, state licensure, and specialized training or certification in aquatic therapy techniques. Familiarity with pool safety protocols, aquatic therapy equipment, and knowledge of hydrotherapy systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication help therapists build trust and motivate patients during rehabilitation. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering safe, effective treatment and achieving positive patient outcomes in aquatic environments.

How does an aquatic physical therapy professional typically collaborate with other healthcare team members?

Aquatic Physical Therapy professionals often work closely with physicians, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation nurses to develop and adjust treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Regular communication ensures coordinated care, especially when patients have complex medical conditions. Therapists may participate in interdisciplinary meetings, share progress updates, and consult with other specialists to optimize patient outcomes. This collaborative approach helps create comprehensive rehabilitation strategies and supports patient safety in and out of the aquatic environment.

What is the difference between Aquatic Physical Therapy vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAquatic Physical TherapyPhysical Therapist
CredentialsDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure, specialized training in aquatic therapyDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure, general physical therapy training
Work EnvironmentPools, aquatic therapy facilities, healthcare clinicsHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Industry UsageRehabilitation, sports medicine, injury recoveryBroad healthcare settings, injury treatment, chronic condition management

While both roles require a DPT and licensure, Aquatic Physical Therapists specialize in using water-based therapy to aid recovery, often working in pools or aquatic facilities. Physical Therapists have a broader scope, working in various healthcare environments to treat diverse conditions.

More about Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Aquatic Physical Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aquatic Physical Therapy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Aquatic Physical Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,695 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

$40/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Carling Aquatic & Physical Therapy is NOT looking for any Physical Therapist


We’re looking for someone who believes physical therapy can be more.

For more than 25 years, Carling Aquatic & Physical Therapy has served the Gilbert community with a simple belief: people heal best when they are treated as individuals—not diagnoses, numbers or appointment slots.

Now we’re building the next generation of that practice.

The future of health is personal.

That means combining exceptional clinical reasoning and meaningful human relationships with technology that helps us better understand the individual in front of us.

At Carling PT, you’ll have the opportunity to work with:

  • Neubie neuromuscular re-education
  • ReadyOS and Readiness-Based Care™
  • Aquatic therapy
  • Dry needling
  • ASTYM
  • Advanced orthopedic rehabilitation and recovery strategies

Technology doesn’t replace clinical judgment here.

It amplifies it.

We’re looking for a clinician who:

  • Loves solving challenging orthopedic problems
  • Builds genuine relationships with patients
  • Is curious, coachable and committed to continual improvement
  • Takes ownership of their responsibilities
  • Values teamwork over ego
  • Wants the freedom to think rather than simply follow protocols
  • Is excited about learning how emerging technology can make care more personalized
  • Wants to help build something—not simply fill a schedule

Technical skills can be taught.

Compassion, curiosity, humility, ownership and the desire to improve are much harder to teach.

What We Offer

  • Full-time, approximately 38–40 hours/week
  • $40+/hour
  • Health benefits
  • Paid time off
  • CEU allowance
  • Access to advanced rehabilitation technology
  • A supportive privately owned practice where your ideas matter
  • An environment designed for continued clinical and professional growth

We believe exceptional patient care and a healthy, productive practice should support one another.

When patients succeed, clinicians find greater fulfillment.

When clinicians grow, the practice becomes stronger.

And when the practice becomes stronger, we can continue investing in our patients, our people and the future of care.

If you’re looking for more than another PT job—and want to help shape what physical therapy can become—we’d love to talk.

Please send your resume to info@carlingpt.net.