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Physical Therapy Aide Salary in the United States

How much does a Physical Therapy Aide make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Physical Therapy Aide in the United States is $37,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Physical Therapy Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,843
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,100 to $42,200
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,369
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Physical Therapy Aide Salaries

A Physical Therapy Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Physical Therapy Aide Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Physical Therapy Aide's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) (0-0 years): $65,076
  • Physical Therapy Aide (0-1 years): $37,078
  • Physical Therapy Team Supervisor (3-5 years): $107,131
  • Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy (5+ years): $114,558
  • Clinical Director of Physical Therapy (5+ years): $151,777
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)0-0 years$65,076
Physical Therapy Aide0-1 years$37,078
Physical Therapy Team Supervisor3-5 years$107,131
Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy5+ years$114,558
Clinical Director of Physical Therapy5+ years$151,777
View as Graph

How Do Physical Therapy Aide Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Physical Therapy Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $41,100.
  • California: $40,900.
  • Massachusetts: $40,400.

Top Paying Cities for Physical Therapy Aides

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $46,800
  • San Francisco: $46,300
  • Oakland: $45,300

What Skills Can Increase a Physical Therapy Aide's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Scheduling (Mentioned in 4.7% Job Postings): Scheduling is the process of arranging, controlling and optimizing work and workloads in a production process or manufacturing process.
  • Occupational Therapy (Mentioned in 2.1% Job Postings): Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.
  • Front Office (Mentioned in 1.33% Job Postings): The front office represents the customer-facing division of a firm. For example, customer service, sales, and industry experts who provide advisory services are considered part of a firm's front office operations.
Skills Demand Percentage
Scheduling 4.7%
Occupational Therapy 2.1%
Front Office 1.33%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Physical Therapy Aide's salary.

  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Speech Therapy: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Verbal Communication $44,520
20%
Speech Therapy $43,778
18%
Collaboration $41,181
11%
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Physical Therapy Aide Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Physical Therapy Aide salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $39,580. While startup companies pay approximate $33,652.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $33,652
Growth Stage 51~500 $35,549
Established 501~5000 $38,262
Enterprise 5000+ $39,580

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Physical Therapy Aide roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Physical Therapy Aide positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Physical Therapy Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Physical Therapy Aide

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Business Services$40,810$20.010%

How Education impacts a Physical Therapy Aide's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Physical Therapy Aides enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Physical Therapy Aide with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,169 and $37,431).

Physical Therapy Aide Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Physical Therapy Aide
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.2%
High School 38.5%
Associates 21.0%
Bachelors 31.5%
Masters 4.2%
Doctorate 0.7%
View as Graph

Physical Therapy Aide Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Physical Therapy Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$34,100
Average $37,100/year
$42,200
$2,842
Average $3,092/month
$3,517
$656
Average $713/week
$812
$16
Average $18/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,200 $3,517 $812 $20
Average $37,100 $3,092 $713 $18
25th Percentile $34,100 $2,842 $656 $16

Physical Therapy Aide Salary Growth & Career Path

Physical Therapy Aide

Next Role

For a Physical Therapy Aide, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Physical Therapy Team Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,200 - a projected growth of 189% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Physical Therapy Aide

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Physical Therapy Aide

Here are companies hiring for Physical Therapy Aide and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Physical Therapy Aide

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Physical Therapy Aide?

The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Physical Therapy Aide roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How many hours does a physical therapy aide work?

In conclusion, physical therapy aides typically work around 40 hours per week, although this can vary depending on the healthcare setting and individual preferences. Their annual salary ranges from $34,000 to $43,200, with a median salary of $38,000, reflecting the demand and responsibilities associated with the role.

3. Is physical therapist assistant a hard job?

The role of a Physical Therapy Aide can be physically demanding, requiring comfort in assisting patients with exercises. The salary for this position ranges from $34,000 to $43,200, with a median salary of $38,000. While the job can be challenging, it offers a rewarding opportunity to help others improve their mobility and health.

4. Do PT aides wear scrubs?

Good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing and grooming, is essential to prevent the spread of infections and maintain professional standards. In summary, physical therapy aides typically wear scrubs or a combination of scrubs and lab coats to work. The salary for this role ranges from $34,000 to $43,200, with a median salary of $38,000.

5. Can PT aides do ultrasound?

Physical Therapy Aides (PTAs) assist patients with exercises and modalities, including ultrasound. They play a crucial role in tracking progress and educating patients and families about treatment plans. The salary for PT aides ranges from $34,000 to $43,200, with a median salary of $38,000, reflecting their important contributions to patient care.

6. Do physical therapists get paid overtime?

Exempt physical therapists do not receive overtime pay under the FLSA, meaning they aren't compensated for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. For Physical Therapy Aides, salaries range from $34,000 to $43,200, with a mid-salary of $38,000, reflecting the financial landscape of the profession.

7. What is the day in the life of a PT aide?

A physical therapy aide assists patients in regaining movement and managing pain under the guidance of physiotherapists. Their daily tasks include patient interaction, clerical duties, and housekeeping. The salary for a physical therapy aide typically ranges from $34,000 to $43,200, with a median salary of around $38,000.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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