Physical Therapist Assistant Salary
On average, a physical therapy assistant makes $52,320 each year, and the pay per hour is about $25.15. The highest paid physical therapy assistants, falling in the top 10 percent, earn $72,720 per year, and the lowest 10 percent earn $32,420 per year.
2026 Salary Overview
Top paying industries for this occupation are home health care services, nursing care facilities and retirement community services. Cities with high paying physical therapy assistant positions include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($77,230), San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX ($75,840), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($75,490), Modesto, CA ($72,310) and Victoria, TX ($71,700). Physical therapy assistants may be offered bonuses of up to $1,025.
Employment
The number of physical therapy assistants estimated to be working in 2012 was 69,810. Most are employed in the offices of health practitioners and hospitals. Physical therapy assistants can also be found working in nursing homes and home healthcare facilities.
Job Outlook
It is predicted that the employment rate of physical therapy assistants will rise by 41 percent between 2012 and 2022, significantly higher than the total rate for all occupations. This represents exceptional growth prospects for this occupation.
Work Environment
Physical therapy assistants work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapy assistants are involved in the direct care of patients.
Salary Trends Over Time
The chart below shows how physical therapist assistant salaries have changed over the years, from 2015 to 2026. You can select a specific state to see localized trends or view the national average.
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Salary by State
The following table shows physical therapy assistant salary data by state, including the lowest 10%, median, highest 10%, and average salaries.
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