Physical Therapist Assistants
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.
Also called: Assistant, Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA), Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant, Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (Home Health PTA), Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)
Median pay
$68,380
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$47,750 – $89,510
People employed
112,430
Holland code
SRC
Social · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 5.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 7.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Long hours on your feet
Physical Therapist Assistants pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What physical therapist assistants do
- 01Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
- 02Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
- 03Observe 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.
- 04Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
- 05Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
- 06Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from physical therapist assistants
- Respiratory Therapists87% · +20%
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses84% · −6%
- Radiation Therapists82% · +54%
- Acute Care Nurses78% · group pay
- Surgical Assistants78% · −2%
Change into physical therapist assistants
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Psychiatric Technicians88% · $45,130
- Exercise Physiologists86% · $59,460
- Massage Therapists85% · $58,450
- Athletic Trainers84% · $62,520
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses84% · $64,400
Majors that lead here
- Physical Therapy Assistant
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.