Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants and aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Is physical therapist assistants a good career?
It scores 46/100 and ranks #47 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($68,380)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+22.0% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What physical therapist assistants earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. physical therapist assistants earn between $59,820 and $78,680 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live physical therapist assistants jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- 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 assistants make?
The national median wage is $68,380 a year, with the middle half earning between $59,820 and $78,680 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is physical therapist assistants a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 46 of 100 and ranks #47 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +22.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a physical therapist assistant?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do physical therapist assistants earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($83,110). Local pay for every state and metro is below.