Physical Therapist Assistants

SOC code 31-2021 · O*NET-SOC 31-2021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

PTA is a two-year-degree, licensed role that delivers much of the hands-on treatment a physical therapist plans. It is one of the best-paid associate-degree careers, and demand runs well above average.

Physical Therapist Assistants pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$68,380

a year

Hourly

$32.88

per hour

10th$47,750Median$68,38090th$89,510

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,730

$33.04 per hour

Middle 50%

$59,820 – $78,680

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$47,750 – $89,510

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

112,430

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $47,750; $22.96/hr
25th percentile: $59,820; $28.76/hr
Median percentile: $68,380; $32.88/hr
75th percentile: $78,680; $37.83/hr
90th percentile: $89,510; $43.04/hr

What does a physical therapist assistant do?

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.

How to become a physical therapist assistant

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree84%
Bachelor's Degree15%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.1%

Common questions

How much does a physical therapist assistant earn?

The national median is $68,380 a year. The full range runs from $47,750 at the 10th percentile to $89,510 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a physical therapist assistant without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking3.8/5
Monitoring3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Writing3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
Therapy and Counseling4.2/5
English Language4.2/5
Education and Training3.9/5
Psychology3.6/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Biology3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination.