Side-by-Side Comparison
Orthoptists leads 3–1| Metric | Physical Therapists | Orthoptists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 22.6% | 21.7% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Low Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 12th | 11th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 2 / 15 | 4 / 15 |
| Median Salary | $101,020 | N/A |
| Employment | 249K | N/A |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Performing General Physical Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
Therapy and Counseling
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Psychology
Training and Teaching Others
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Biology
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Multilimb Coordination
Science
Thinking Creatively
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Physical Therapists
37%
total discount
Orthoptists
34%
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.
Orthoptists
4 of 15 at risk82%Refer patients to ophthalmic surgeons or other physicians.
70%Prepare diagnostic or treatment reports for other medical practitioners or therapists.
53%Participate in clinical research projects.
52%Interpret clinical or diagnostic test results.
45%Develop nonsurgical treatment plans for patients with conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus, and other visual disorders.
Wage Comparison
Physical TherapistsOrthoptists
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
Orthoptists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Orthoptists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Physical Therapists.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Physical
0
Unique to Orthoptists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Creativity
Regulatory Barriers
Social Intelligence
Physical TherapistsOrthoptists