Side-by-Side Comparison
Physical Therapists leads 4–0| Metric | Physical Therapists | Acupuncturists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 22.6% | 27.5% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 12th | 27th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 2 / 15 | 9 / 15 |
| Median Salary | $101,020 | N/A |
| Employment | 249K | N/A |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Handling and Moving Objects
Performing General Physical Activities
Education and Training
Training and Teaching Others
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Static Strength
Documenting/Recording Information
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Time Management
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Written Expression
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Physical Therapists
37%
total discount
Acupuncturists
33%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Physical Therapists
2 of 15 at risk86%Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
51%Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
49%Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
41%Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
40%Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Acupuncturists
9 of 15 at risk87%Maintain detailed and complete records of health care plans and prognoses.
77%Adhere to local, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes.
74%Maintain and follow standard quality, safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures.
55%Assess patients' general physical appearance to make diagnoses.
55%Consider Western medical procedures in health assessment, health care team communication, and care referrals.
Wage Comparison
Physical TherapistsAcupuncturists
10th
$74,420N/A
25th
$83,470N/A
Median
$101,020N/A
75th
$117,190N/A
90th
$132,500N/A
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Physical Therapists2028–2035
Acupuncturists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Physical Therapists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Acupuncturists.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Physical
0
Unique to Acupuncturists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Social Intelligence
Creativity
Decision Complexity
Physical TherapistsAcupuncturists