What Physical Therapist Aides do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Physical Therapist Aides this way: "Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment"; "Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist"; "Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff"; "Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment"; "Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Physical Therapist Aides
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 49,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 51,000 in 2035, an increase of 2,000 jobs (+4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,240, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Physical Therapist Aides earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $34,861 in New Jersey to $35,279 in New York, a gap of $418 (1.01 times). 1 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $35,240 and 1 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,190, which is 52.8% of the 13,630 counted across them. New York follows with 6,440.
Highest-paying states
New York ($35,279) and New Jersey ($34,861) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($34,861) and New York ($35,279) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Physical Therapist Aides
How much do Physical Therapist Aides earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,240. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $34,861 to $35,279.
Which state pays Physical Therapist Aides the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $35,279. New Jersey is next at $34,861.
Is Physical Therapist Aides a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,400 openings a year.
What education do Physical Therapist Aides need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.