As of May 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) | 0-0 years | $65,095 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 0-1 years | $37,068 |
| Physical Therapy Team Supervisor | 3-5 years | $107,095 |
| Clinical Manager of Physical Therapy | 5+ years | $126,385 |
| Clinical Director of Physical Therapy | 5+ years | $151,597 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 4.7% |
| Occupational Therapy | 2.1% |
| Front Office | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$44,520 |
20%
|
|
Speech Therapy
|
$43,778 |
18%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$41,181 |
11%
|
|
Leadership
|
$40,439 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$38,584 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$38,584 |
4%
|
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
| 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% |
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 May 01, 2026For 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 $107,100 - a projected growth of 189% over your current level.
Salaries for a Physical Therapy Aide can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,264 in 2023 to around $49,013 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Physical Therapy Aide salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $51,264 |
| 2024 | $50,355 |
| 2025 | $49,013 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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