Physical Therapist Aides
Physical therapist aides assist licensed physical therapists by handling routine and delegated tasks during patient treatment. They work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and other healthcare settings. Under direct supervision, aides prepare treatment rooms, help patients get ready for therapy, and support the delivery of care.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical therapist aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves setting up therapy equipment, helping patients move to treatment areas, and assisting with exercises under a therapist's direction. Aides might prepare hot or cold packs, clean equipment, document patient activities, and help patients with mobility tasks. Work occurs during regular business hours, often in a busy clinic or hospital environment with frequent patient interaction.
Who this work suits
Holland code SRC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this role if you're practical, hands-on, and comfortable supporting others in structured environments. You're drawn to helping people directly and working as part of a healthcare team. Social skills matter—you interact with patients daily—but you're also grounded in the realistic, concrete side of health care work.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $35,740 | $55,760 | $70,680 | 110 |
| Minnesota | $40,030 | $42,330 | $47,800 | 150 |
| Colorado | $34,790 | $41,970 | $48,050 | 360 |
| New Hampshire | $33,100 | $40,460 | $46,840 | 130 |
| Maine | $37,130 | $39,660 | $59,380 | 90 |
| Washington | $36,720 | $39,500 | $46,920 | 760 |
| District of Columbia | $36,960 | $38,950 | $38,950 | 30 |
| Montana | $30,980 | $38,950 | $44,720 | 110 |
| California | $35,760 | $38,330 | $46,190 | 7,330 |
| North Dakota | $32,900 | $37,680 | $46,860 | 120 |
| Massachusetts | $36,770 | $37,440 | $41,140 | 1,020 |
| Ohio | $31,570 | $37,220 | $40,260 | 760 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Physical Therapy Aide Online National Certification (CPTA) — American Allied Health
- Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) — American Medical Certification Association
- Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) — National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical therapist aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-2022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.