The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks physical therapist aides under SOC code 31-2022. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $35,240 ( $16.94/hr ), with 48,150 workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow 2.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 6,600 openings expected each year.

Key Takeaways

- Median pay: $35,240 per year ($16.94/hr)
- Top 10% earn: more than $47,780 per year ($22.97/hr)
- Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $25,360 per year ($12.19/hr)
- Projected growth: 2.8% from 2024 to 2034
- Annual job openings: ~6,600 per year through 2034
- Workers employed nationwide: 48,150
- Highest-paying state: Alaska (median $55,760)
- State with most workers: California (7,330 employed)

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed July 24, 2026. Quick answer: Training as a physical therapy aide usually takes about 4 to 8 months , and many people start with no formal program at all by learning through paid on-the-job training . A high school diploma or GED is generally the only requirement, and most states do not require a license .

Certification is optional, though many aides earn CPR/BLS and First Aid because employers ask for it. The median physical therapy aide salary is $35,240 per year ($16.94/hour) , and employers post about 6,600 openings nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025) .

Physical therapy aides support licensed physical therapists by keeping treatment areas ready, setting up equipment, and helping patients move safely through their sessions. It is one of the quickest, most accessible ways into the rehabilitation side of healthcare.

How to Become a Physical Therapy Aide

There is no single license or exam to pass to work as a physical therapy aide. Most people are working within 4 to 8 months , and many learn the role through paid on-the-job training rather than a formal program. Here is the path that works for most aides.

- Earn a high school diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is the baseline requirement for almost every physical therapy aide job and training program. While you are in school, lean into classes that prepare you for clinical work: biology, anatomy, health science, and physical education all help you understand how the body moves and recovers. Being comfortable on a computer matters too, since clinics use scheduling software and electronic records for daily tasks like booking appointments and tracking supplies. Good communication skills are just as important as any science class, because you will spend the day talking with patients, therapists, and front-desk staff. If you are changing careers and already hold a diploma or a degree in another field, you can move straight to training or start applying for entry-level aide roles that train you on the job.
- Complete training or learn on the job

You have two realistic routes. The first is a short certificate program , often 4 to 8 months , that covers medical terminology, basic anatomy, common therapy techniques, patient safety, and how to set up and clean equipment. These programs are offered at trade and technical schools and community colleges, and some include a supervised externship. The second route is paid on-the-job training , where a clinic or hospital hires you with little or no experience and a licensed physical therapist teaches you the role directly. Many aides take this path, which is part of why the job is so accessible. Whichever route you choose, focus on the hands-on basics that fill the workday: moving patients safely, preparing treatment spaces, managing supplies, and following a therapist’s instructions precisely. Training cost varies by program and school, so contact the schools you are considering for current tuition figures.

- Get hands-on clinical experience

Physical therapy aide work is physical and practical, so real experience matters more than time in a classroom. If your program includes an externship , use it to practice the daily routine under a licensed physical therapist: setting up exercise equipment, helping patients move to and from treatment areas, sanitizing surfaces between appointments, and keeping the clinic stocked and organized. If you went the on-the-job route, those first weeks are your clinical training, so pay close attention to how experienced staff handle transfers and safety. Either way, you are building the muscle memory and judgment employers want to see. Save examples of what you have learned, such as the equipment you can set up or the safety procedures you follow, so you can speak to them confidently in an interview.

- Earn optional certifications

Certification is usually optional for physical therapy aides, and most states do not require a license. Even so, a few credentials can make you a stronger candidate. The most common are CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certification, which many clinics and hospitals expect because aides work directly with patients who have mobility and health risks. These certifications are short to earn and easy to keep current. To stay informed about the broader physical-therapy field and the standards therapists follow, you can follow the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) , the major professional association for the profession. Before paying for any certification, confirm what your target employers and your state actually require, since needs vary from one clinic to the next.

- Apply for physical therapy aide roles

Physical therapy aides are hired across clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, sports medicine clinics, and physical therapy offices. Tailor your resume to the kind of setting you want,



and put any clinical or externship experience near the top along with current CPR or BLS certification. Because so many aide roles train on the job, do not rule out a posting just because you lack a certificate; a clean record, reliability, and a genuine interest in helping patients recover go a long way. Local clinics and rehab centers often hire through word of mouth, so let instructors and externship supervisors know you are looking. Once you are in a role, on-the-job experience can open the door to advancement into related healthcare positions over time. Compare training programs near you

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What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?

Physical therapy aides keep rehabilitation sessions running smoothly so licensed physical therapists can focus on treatment. They prepare and clean therapy areas, set up exercise equipment, help patients move to and from treatment spaces, and manage supplies and scheduling. The role is hands-on and patient-facing, with a steady mix of physical tasks and clinic logistics.

Typical Duties Include

- Preparing and cleaning therapy areas
- Setting up exercise equipment
- Helping patients move to and from treatment areas
- Assisting with basic exercises under a therapist’s supervision
- Managing supplies and scheduling appointments

Physical therapy aides play a key role in making rehab sessions run smoothly and helping patients feel supported throughout recovery. Skills That Make a Great Physical Therapy Aide
- Patience and empathy for patients
- Clear communication and teamwork
- Physical strength and stamina for lifting and standing
- Organization and the ability to juggle several tasks
- Genuine interest in exercise, mobility, and rehabilitation

Work Settings for Physical Therapy Aides Physical therapy aides work in a range of healthcare environments, including:
- Outpatient clinics and physical therapy offices
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Sports medicine clinics

Education and Certification Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome On-the-job training Weeks to a few months Common entry route, no formal program needed Certificate program 4 to 8 months Structured training, may include an externship CPR / BLS and First Aid Short courses Commonly requested by employers

Always check your state’s rules and your employer’s preferences before paying for any certification.

Career Growth Opportunities

Projected job growth for physical therapist aides Use this chart on your site (free)

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With experience, many physical therapy aides move into related healthcare or fitness roles, such as:

- Physical Therapist Assistant (PT Assistant), which requires further education
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Medical Assistant
- Personal Trainer or Exercise Specialist

The aide role is a solid foundation for these next steps because it gives you firsthand exposure to clinical work and patient care. Cost and Duration of Training
- Time to complete: typically 4 to 8 months for a certificate, and as little as a few weeks for on-the-job training
- Program cost: varies by program and school; on-the-job training is often free
- Certification fees: CPR, BLS, and First Aid courses are usually short and low cost

Contact the schools you are considering for current tuition figures, since costs vary by program and location.

Pros and Cons

Pros

- Fast entry, often under a year, and frequently trained on the job
- Hands-on, meaningful work helping patients recover
- Valuable foundation for physical therapist assistant and other healthcare careers
- No degree or license required in most states

Cons
- Physically active job with regular lifting and standing
- Limited advancement without further education
- Daily routines can be repetitive

Quick Facts: Physical Therapy Aide Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $35,240 $16.94/hr Top 10%: $47,780

Job Outlook (2024-2034) 2.9% 6,600 openings/yr

Employment (2025) 48,150

Wage Percentiles 25th $30,410 75th $38,810

Typical Education High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-Job Training Short-term on-the-job training

Highest Paying States AlaskaMinnesotaColorado

Top Industries Cross-industry

Certification Optional (CPR/BLS, First Aid)

2025 data | SOC 31-2022 | Source: BLS OEWS

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Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies

These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Major professional association for the physical-therapy field.

Wage and Employment Charts Top-paying states for physical therapist aides Use this chart on your site (free)

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Workplace Safety Snapshot

BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 34.1 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in physical therapist aides (about 0.34 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does physical therapy aide training take?

Most people are ready to work in about 4 to 8 months. Many physical therapy aides actually start with no formal program at all and learn through paid on-the-job training, while others finish a short certificate first. A high school diploma or GED is generally the only educational prerequisite.

Do you need a college degree to work as a physical therapy aide?

No. A college degree is not required to work as a physical therapy aide. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational requirement, and most aides learn the job through a short certificate program or paid on-the-job training.

Is certification or a license required to be a physical therapy aide?

In most states a physical therapy aide does not need a license, and certification is optional. Many aides earn CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid certification because employers ask for it. Always check your own state and employer requirements before you apply.

How much does physical therapy aide training cost?

Training cost varies widely by program and school, and some aides are trained on the job at no cost. Short certificate programs are generally less expensive than degree programs. Contact the schools you are considering for current tuition figures.

How much do physical therapy aides make?

The median physical therapy aide wage is $35,240 per year, or $16.94 per hour (BLS, May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned about $25,360 and the highest 10 percent earned about $47,780, with pay varying by state, setting, and experience.

Is it hard to train as a physical therapy aide?

Entry is relatively easy because no degree, license, or long program is required, and many aides are trained on the job. The work itself is physically active and involves lifting, standing, and helping patients move, so stamina and patience matter more than academic background.

Can you train to be a physical therapy aide online?

Some schools offer online or hybrid physical therapy aide coursework, but the role is hands-on, so any program should include in-person clinical or externship time. Confirm what practical experience a program provides before you enroll.

How Physical Therapy Aide Pay Compares to Similar Trades

Side-by-side comparison of Physical Therapy Aide and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Physical Therapy Aide this guide $35,240 +2.8% 6,600 Occupational Therapy Assistant $72,300 +19.2% 7,200 Personal Trainer $47,160 +11.9% 74,200 Massage Therapy $58,450 +15.4% 24,700 Medical Assistant $45,690 +12.5% 112,300

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers

- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Personal Trainer
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant

Advance Your Career with a Degree Experienced Physical Therapy Aide professionals often step up into degree-track careers where field experience is a hiring advantage:
- Exercise Physiologist - median pay $59,460 (BLS OEWS, May 2025); requires a 4-year degree

See all trade careers that require a 4-year degree.

Degree and Program Guides

- Online Physical Therapist Assistant Programs - the licensed step up from aide work, 22% projected growth

Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026)

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025

Filter states

State Median annual Top 10% annual Indiana $35,100 $73,430 North Carolina $34,760 $72,890 Alaska $55,760 $72,290 Maine $39,660 $70,540 California $38,330 $60,200 Washington $39,500 $58,100 North Dakota $37,680 $56,430 Colorado $41,970 $52,290 New York $35,380 $51,460 New Hampshire $40,460 $49,950 Montana $38,950 $48,780 Massachusetts $37,440 $48,690 Illinois $36,650 $48,360 Minnesota $42,330 $48,190 New Mexico $31,990 $47,860 Kentucky $35,490 $47,780 Arkansas $29,450 $47,650 Texas $31,590 $46,710 Wisconsin $36,820 $46,520 Hawaii $33,810 $46,480 Ohio $37,220 $46,050 South Carolina $33,280 $45,290 South Dakota $31,330 $44,770 Arizona $35,260 $44,630 Oregon $36,060 $44,490 New Jersey $34,430 $44,350 Florida $35,140 $44,180 Connecticut $35,770 $43,830 Iowa $29,120 $43,760 West Virginia $34,840 $43,720 Rhode Island $31,200 $43,480 Pennsylvania $35,520 $43,100 Tennessee $30,320 $42,830 Delaware $34,060 $42,750 Virginia $33,390 $42,530 Nebraska $28,080 $41,590 Idaho $28,660 $40,680 Nevada $31,970 $40,090 Maryland $34,780 $39,330 Kansas $25,280 $39,260 Missouri $29,250 $39,140 District of Columbia $38,950 $39,040 Georgia $30,550 $38,680 Michigan $29,350 $38,300 Wyoming $30,470 $37,080 Mississippi $27,370 $36,880 Utah $29,150 $36,220 Oklahoma $27,630 $35,990 Alabama $27,290 $33,770 Louisiana $22,460 $30,070

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

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