### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			physical therapist assistants and aides imagePhysical therapist aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as scheduling patients and recording insurance information.							
						Quick Facts:     Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides2023     Median Pay
            						$58,740     per year
										$28.24     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    See How to Become OneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    145,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    19% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    27,600What Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Do
                                                
                        
                        
Physical therapist assistants and aides are supervised by physical therapists to help patients regain movement and manage pain after injuries and illnesses.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most physical therapist assistants and aides work in physical therapists’ offices or in hospitals. They are frequently on their feet as they set up equipment and help care for patients.
            
                                                How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or Aide
                                                
                        
Physical therapist assistants entering the occupation typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program and a license or certification. Physical therapist aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $33,520 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $64,080 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow							 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 24,300 openings for physical therapist assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physical therapist assistants and aides.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physical therapist assistants and aides with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about physical therapist assistants and aides by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides Do 
            

			Physical therapist assistants and aidesPhysical therapist assistants help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care.			
Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called *PTAs*, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain.
Physical therapist assistants are involved in the direct care of patients.
Physical therapist aides often have tasks that are indirectly related to patient care, such as cleaning and setting up the treatment area, moving patients, and doing clerical duties.
Duties
Physical therapist assistants typically do the following:
Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatmentUnder the direction and supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions. They record patients’ progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist.
Physical therapist aides typically do the following:
Clean treatment areas and set up therapy equipment
Wash linens
Help patients move to or from a therapy area
Do clerical tasks, such as answering phones and scheduling patientsPhysical therapist aides are supervised by physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. The tasks that physical therapist aides are allowed to do vary by state. They usually are responsible for keeping the treatment area clean and organized, preparing for each patient’s therapy, and helping patients as needed in moving to or from a treatment area. In addition, aides do a variety of clerical tasks, such as ordering supplies, scheduling treatment sessions, and completing insurance forms.
 Work Environment
			Physical therapist assistants and aidesPhysical therapist assistants give therapy through exercise, stretching, and other interventions.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Physical therapist aides held about 44,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physical therapist aides were as follows:
        Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                64%Hospitals; state, local, and private
                18Offices of physicians
                10Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
                2Government
                2Physical therapist assistants held about 100,700 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of physical therapist assistants were as follows:
        Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                45%Hospitals; state, local, and private
                22Home healthcare services
                12Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
                9Offices of physicians
                5Physical therapist assistants and aides are frequently on their feet and moving as they set up equipment and help and treat patients. Because they must often lift and move patients, they are vulnerable to back injuries. Assistants and aides can limit these risks by using proper techniques when they work with patients.
Work Schedules
Most physical therapist assistants and aides work full time, although part time work is common. Some work nights and weekends because many physical therapy offices and clinics have extended hours to accommodate patients’ schedules.
 How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or Aide

			Physical therapist assistants and aidesPhysical therapist assistants gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work.			
Physical therapist assistants entering the occupation typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program and a license or certification. Physical therapist aides usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.
Education and Training
All states require physical therapist assistants to have an associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Programs typically last about 2 years and include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Assistants also gain hands-on experience during supervised clinical work.
Physical therapist aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. They also usually need on-the-job training that can last from about one week to one month.
Licenses, Certifications, and 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 the National Physical Therapy Exam for physical therapist assistants. The exam is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. 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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Physical Therapist Assistants and AidesMedian annual wages, May 2023Physical therapist assistants$64,080  Occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides$60,830  Physical therapist assistants and aides$58,740  Total, all occupations$48,060  Physical therapist aides$33,520Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $33,520 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,070, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,980.The median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $64,080 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,830.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapist aides in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
                $42,180Hospitals; state, local, and private
                36,970Offices of physicians
                36,210Government
                31,700Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                31,200In May 2023, the median annual wages for physical therapist assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Home healthcare services
                $76,750Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
                76,710Hospitals; state, local, and private
                66,180Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists
                60,540Offices of physicians
                59,820Most physical therapist assistants and aides work full time, although part time work is common. Some work nights and weekends because many physical therapy offices and clinics have extended hours to accommodate patients’ schedules.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                       Physical Therapist Assistants and AidesPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physical therapist assistants26%  Occupational therapy and physical therapist assistants and aides20%  Physical therapist assistants and aides19%  Physical therapist aides3%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of physical therapist assistants and aides is projected to grow				 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 24,300 openings for physical therapist assistants and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the health needs of an aging population, particularly the large baby-boom generation. This group is staying more active later in life than previous generations did. However, many baby boomers also are entering the prime age for heart attacks, strokes, and mobility-related injuries, increasing the demand for physical therapy in rehabilitation.
In addition, more physical therapist assistants and aides will be needed to help patients maintain their mobility and manage the effects of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.
Physical therapists are expected to rely on physical therapist assistants, particularly in long-term care environments, in order to reduce the cost of physical therapy services. This should contribute to employment growth of physical therapist assistants. However, restrictions in insurance reimbursement for services provided by physical therapist aides may constrain demand for this occupation.
			

                        Employment projections data for     physical therapist assistants and aides, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Physical therapist assistants and aides**
			31-2020
			145,100
			172,700
			19
			27,600
			Get data**Physical therapist assistants**
			31-2021
			100,700
			126,900
			26
			26,300
			Get data**Physical therapist aides**
			31-2022
			44,500
			45,800
			3
			1,300
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Physical therapist aides
					Physical therapist assistants **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of physical therapist assistants and aides. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Medical Assistants**
            Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $42,000**Nursing Assistants and Orderlies**
            Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.
            See How to Become One
            $38,130**Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides**
            Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
            See How to Become One
            $65,450**Pharmacy Technicians**
            Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $40,300**Physical Therapists**
            Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $99,710**Psychiatric Technicians and Aides**
            Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.
            See How to Become One
            $39,610**Dental Assistants**
            Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $46,540
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about physical therapist assistants, visit
American Physical Therapy Association
For a list of schools offering accredited programs, visit
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
For more information about state licensing requirements and about the National Physical Therapy Exam, visit
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
CareerOneStop
For a career video on physical therapist assistants and aides, visit
Physical therapist assistants and aides

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Physical Therapist AidesPhysical Therapist Assistants
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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