Physical Therapist Aides
Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Is physical therapist aides a good career?
It scores 11/100 and ranks #672 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($35,240 vs $61,390)
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+2.8%)
What physical therapist aides earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. physical therapist aides earn between $30,410 and $38,810 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live physical therapist aides jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
All states require physical therapist assistants to be licensed or certified. Licensure typically requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program and passing a qualifying exam. Some states require that applicants pass an exam on the state’s laws regulating the practice of physical therapy assistants, undergo a criminal background check, and be at least 18 years old. Physical therapist assistants also may need to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Check with your state board for specific licensing requirements.
Additionally, physical therapy assistants may earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support (BLS), or other first-aid skills.
States do not require physical therapist aides to be licensed.
Important qualities
Compassion. Physical therapist assistants and aides should enjoy helping people. They work with people who are in pain and must have empathy to help their patients.
Detail oriented. Physical therapist assistants and aides should be organized, keep accurate records, and follow written and verbal instructions carefully to ensure quality care.
Dexterity. Physical therapist assistants should be comfortable using their hands to provide manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Aides should also be comfortable working with their hands to set up equipment and prepare treatment areas.
Interpersonal skills. Physical therapist assistants and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients, their families, and other healthcare practitioners; therefore, they should be courteous and friendly.
Physical stamina. Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they work with their patients. They must often kneel, stoop, bend, and stand for long periods.
Related occupations
How much do physical therapist aides make?
The national median wage is $35,240 a year, with the middle half earning between $30,410 and $38,810 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is physical therapist aides a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 11 of 100 and ranks #672 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +2.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a physical therapist aide?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do physical therapist aides earn the most?
Among states, Alaska pays the highest median ($55,760). Local pay for every state and metro is below.