Physical Therapist Assistants
Physical therapist assistants help licensed physical therapists treat patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, and illnesses. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. The role involves assisting with therapy exercises, documenting patient progress, and modifying treatments based on patient responses and therapist direction.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against physical therapist assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes guiding patients through prescribed exercises, applying therapeutic techniques like heat or cold therapy, and helping patients with mobility and balance training. Assistants document treatment sessions, communicate patient progress to physical therapists, and may adjust exercise intensity within established protocols. Work occurs in clinical settings with varying patient populations, requiring attention to individual needs and consistent record-keeping throughout the day.
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 tend to do well in this role if you enjoy hands-on work with people and practical problem-solving. A background in science or healthcare, combined with genuine interest in helping others recover physical function, aligns well with the social and realistic demands of the job.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Hines, Illinois · $62470–$81208
- PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Schofield Barracks, Hawaii · $52680–$68485
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Bethesda, Maryland · $57736–$75059
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Augusta, Georgia · $50460–$65599
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri · $50460–$65599
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, North Carolina · $64453–$83794
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Defense Health Agency · Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri · $50460–$74173
- Physical Therapy Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Jackson, South Carolina · $50460–$65599
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $75,900 | $83,110 | $94,940 | 9,400 |
| Massachusetts | $67,060 | $79,460 | $81,640 | 2,640 |
| New Jersey | $72,900 | $78,440 | $83,200 | 1,810 |
| Texas | $62,870 | $78,000 | $87,330 | 10,510 |
| Maryland | $61,120 | $77,670 | $84,080 | 1,430 |
| Alaska | $74,410 | $77,640 | $80,770 | 110 |
| Connecticut | $69,440 | $75,880 | $79,530 | 980 |
| Nevada | $63,340 | $75,520 | $80,290 | 560 |
| Delaware | $63,570 | $74,610 | $80,370 | 340 |
| Virginia | $60,810 | $73,760 | $80,400 | 3,370 |
| Oregon | $61,430 | $73,180 | $81,290 | 890 |
| Georgia | $59,120 | $72,800 | $80,150 | 2,620 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) — Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
- Physical Therapy Technician Certification (PTTC) — American Medical Certification Association
- Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) — American Education 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 assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.