How Much Do Physical Therapist Aides Make?

Physical therapist aides in the United States earn an average annual salary of $34,810, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With over 42,000 professionals employed in this role nationwide, physical therapist aides play a vital supporting role in the health care industry.

These dedicated professionals work alongside physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to help patients recover from injuries and improve their mobility. Physical therapist aides typically handle tasks such as preparing treatment areas, transporting patients, and assisting with clerical duties. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of physical therapist aides, exploring how salaries and job opportunities vary across different regions of the country. We'll also compare this occupation to similar roles in the health care field, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in this rewarding profession or looking to understand the potential for growth and advancement.  

Highest Paying States for Physical Therapist Aides

When it comes to physical therapist aides, salaries can differ significantly depending on the state. The data highlights the top-paying states where these professionals can expect higher wages:

• Alaska stands out as the highest-paying state for physical therapist aides, offering an average annual salary of $48,680 and an hourly wage of $23.40. However, employment opportunities are limited, with only 30 positions available.
• Arkansas follows with an annual mean salary of $44,180 and an hourly mean wage of $21.24. The state employs a moderate number of physical therapist aides, with 170 positions.
• Washington and Massachusetts also offer competitive wages, with annual salaries of $40,950 and $40,740, respectively, and hourly wages around $19.60. These states employ a higher number of physical therapist aides, with Washington having 830 positions and Massachusetts employing 910.

Overall, while states like Alaska and Arkansas provide the highest wages, states with larger populations like Washington and Massachusetts offer more employment opportunities, albeit at slightly lower pay rates. This data underscores the importance of considering both salary and job availability when evaluating potential locations for employment as a physical therapist aide.  

Comparing Salaries in Therapy Support Roles

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When looking at therapy support roles, it's clear that salaries can differ quite a bit depending on the job title. Occupational Therapy Aides have an average annual salary of $42,060, which translates to about $20.22 per hour. In comparison, Physical Therapist Aides earn an average of $34,810 annually, or $16.74 per hour.

Meanwhile, Physical Therapist Assistants earn significantly more. They have an average salary of $65,860 per year, or $31.66 per hour. This might be because Physical Therapist Assistants often have more responsibilities and may require more specialized training compared to aides. Additionally, there are many more Physical Therapist Assistants employed (104,000) compared to Occupational Therapy Aides (4,430) and Physical Therapist Aides (42,390), which suggests a higher demand in the labor market.  
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Bottom Line

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Physical therapist aides are essential contributors to the health care industry, supporting the rehabilitation and mobility improvement efforts of physical therapists and their assistants. With an average annual salary of $34,810, these professionals can expect to engage in a range of tasks, from preparing treatment areas to assisting with clerical duties. While salaries for physical therapist aides vary by state, those in Alaska and Arkansas enjoy the highest average wages, though job availability in these areas may be limited.

For individuals considering a career as a physical therapist aide, it's important to weigh several factors:

• Salary and Location: Compensation can vary significantly depending on the state, with top-paying regions offering higher salaries but potentially fewer job opportunities.

• Role Comparison: Physical therapist aides earn less than occupational therapy aides and significantly less than physical therapist assistants. However, the role requires less specialized training, which may appeal to those seeking to enter the health care field quickly.

• Job Market Demand: The demand for physical therapist aides remains robust, with over 42,000 employed across the United States, indicating steady opportunities for those interested in this supportive and rewarding profession.

Overall, aspiring physical therapist aides should consider both potential earnings and employment availability in their desired location, along with comparing the responsibilities and training requirements of similar therapy support roles.