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.
Physical Therapist Assistants
SOC: 31-2021 O*NET: 31-2021.00
Median Salary
$65,510
per year
Job Growth
🚀 22%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
19.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$39,306
25th
$52,408
50th (Median)
$65,510
75th
$78,612
90th
$98,265
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Very High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:111,500
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+22%
Annual Openings:19,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)111,500
Current
2034 (Projected)136,000
+22%
+24,500
Employment Change
+22%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Much faster than average
Key Growth Factors
- •Much faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
Top Skills
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Therapy and Counseling
✓
English Language
✓
Education and Training
✓
Psychology
✓
Medicine and Dentistry
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Biology
Education & Training
Education Required
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Experience Required
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Job Training
Training of more than one year