As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a PTA in the United States is $65,102 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a PTA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A PTA'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 PTA'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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 PTAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.14% |
| Rehabilitation Services | 2.4% |
| Geriatrics | 1.5% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Management Skills
|
$87,237 |
34%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$85,284 |
31%
|
|
Environmental Safety
|
$83,982 |
29%
|
|
Case Management
|
$78,773 |
21%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$70,310 |
8%
|
|
Rehabilitation Services
|
$69,659 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many PTAs enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 PTA with a Associate's Degree is between $61,981 and $65,492).
PTA Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 4.9% |
| Associates | 69.5% |
| Bachelors | 21.5% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a PTA'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 PTA, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Physical Therapy Aide role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $37,100 - a projected growth of -43% over your current level.
Salaries for a PTA can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,228 in 2023 to around $63,601 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of PTA salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $66,228 |
| 2024 | $64,565 |
| 2025 | $63,601 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) ranges from a minimum of $60,802 to a maximum of $73,602, with a median salary of $67,002. While this is a decent income, it is typically lower than that of licensed physical therapists. Overall, PTAs can expect a competitive salary based on their experience and location.
PTs focus on diagnosing patients and creating personalized rehabilitation programs, earning between $60,802 and $73,602 annually. In contrast, PTAs assist in preparing patients for diagnosis and help implement the rehabilitation plan, with salaries typically around $67,002. The roles differ in responsibility and scope of practice within the rehabilitation process.
To increase your earnings as a PTA, consider picking up weekend hospital shifts, which often pay more. Reach out to home health agencies for weekend opportunities, and explore PRN or part-time positions at nursing homes or clinics, where you may earn a higher rate. Salaries typically range from $60,802 to $73,602, with a midpoint around $67,002.
California's healthcare industry is thriving, leading to a strong demand for skilled PTAs. With salaries ranging from $60,802 to $73,602, this career offers excellent financial prospects. Additionally, PTAs enjoy career flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives, making it a rewarding choice for those interested in healthcare.
The highest-paying settings for PTAs are home healthcare services and assisted living facilities for the elderly, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $60,802 to a maximum of $73,602. While California offers an average salary of $78,920, PTAs in these settings can expect to earn between $67,002 and $73,602, depending on experience and location.
Physical therapy is often considered more challenging than nursing due to the advanced education required, including a doctoral degree. Additionally, physical therapists can expect a salary range from $60,802 to $73,602, with a median salary of $67,002, reflecting the higher level of training and expertise needed in this field.
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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