Physical Therapist Assistants

What is a physical therapist assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025 4 min read

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries by assisting with therapeutic activities. They work with patients of all ages and conditions, helping to improve their mobility, strength, flexibility, and overall function. PTAs also teach patients how to perform exercises at home and monitor their progress.

They may work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or private practices.

Score Physical Therapist Assistant US Average: 4.1

Avg. Salary: $53,035 (average) / $59,228 (higher)

Growth rate: 24% (high) / 0.3% (low)

Stability level: 7.1

Stress level: high (7.1)

Complexity level: intermediate (6.3)

Work life balance:

good (8.1)

• Good job outlook with expected job growth
• Opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field
• Ability to work flexible hours, including part‑time or per diem positions
• Collaborative work with other healthcare professionals, including physical therapists and doctors

• Physically demanding job that may require heavy lifting or long periods of standing
• May need to work weekends, evenings, or holidays to accommodate patient schedules
• May require travel between different locations for work assignments
• Limited opportunities for career advancement without further education or training
• May experience burnout due to long hours, high workload, and emotional demands of the job.

• Certified Personal Trainer – Avg salary $32,039
• Rehabilitation Aide – Avg salary $28,284
• Licensing Assistant – Avg salary $36,851
• Rehab Office Coordinator – Avg salary $59,947
• Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant – Avg salary $54,009
• Physical Therapist Assistant – Avg salary $55,943
• Massage Therapist – Avg salary $53,935
• Registered Nurse Supervisor – Avg salary $74,174
• Physical Therapist – Avg salary $73,070
• Clinical Manager – Avg salary $84,066
• PRN – Avg salary $39,642
• Patient Care Manager – Avg salary $65,369
• Registered Nurse – Avg salary $73,349
• Nurse Manager – Avg salary $83,684
• Clinical Instructor – Avg salary $84,613

• Manage a diverse caseload including, but not limit to CVA's, cardiac care, Alzheimer's and sub acute orthopedics
• Provide patients at a SNF with ROM exercises, transfer and gait training as well as balance and bed mobility exercises.
• Provide physical therapy treatment as directed by physical therapist as PRN PTA for inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation and community hospital settings.
• Care of patients in acute and ICU settings.

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your physical therapist assistant resume.

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Now it's time to start searching for a physical therapist assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly

Are you a physical therapist assistant? Share your story for a free salary report. The average physical therapist assistant salary in the United States is $53,035 per year or $26 per hour. Physical therapist assistant salaries range between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.