How Much Do PT Assistant Make?
How much do pt assistant make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for pt assistant in the assistant & support roles category. Learn about pt assistant pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $35,000 to $45,000.
How Much Do PT Assistant Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do pt assistant make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. PT Assistant in the Assistant & Support Roles field can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $35,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $45,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of pt assistant by time periods, pt assistant typically make around $4,583.333 per month and approximately $1,057.692 per week. The basic salary of pt assistant varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level pt assistant typically start with a base salary of $35,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $45,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $45,000.
The salary landscape for pt assistant is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do pt assistant make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,057.692 per week. How much do pt assistant make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $35,000 to $60,000, with the median salary sitting at $55,000. Additionally, many pt assistant receive bonuses averaging $2,000 annually, representing approximately 6.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do PT Assistant Get Paid Per Annum? PT Assistant Salary
Annual salary data for pt assistant across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do PT Assistant Get Paid in a Month? PT Assistant Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for pt assistant at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do PT Assistant Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for pt assistant across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
PT Assistant Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for pt assistant over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
PT Assistant Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for PT Assistants are typically awarded based on performance, patient satisfaction, productivity metrics, and meeting specific departmental goals.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
PT Assistant roles usually do not offer commission or incentives, as compensation is primarily based on hourly wages or salaries rather than performance-based metrics.
Overtime
Overtime pay for PT Assistants is common, especially in healthcare settings where extended hours or additional shifts are often required to meet patient needs.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a Physical Therapy Assistant include health insurance, retirement plans like 401(k), paid time off (PTO), continuing education reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and professional development opportunities.
PT Assistant Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the pt assistant role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) supports physical therapists in patient rehabilitation. They assist with treatment plans, educate patients on exercises, and monitor progress. PTAs play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and recovery, ensuring patients receive compassionate care while fostering independence and improving quality of life through tailored therapeutic interventions.
Primary Responsibilities
Assisting physical therapists, preparing treatment areas, documenting patient progress, educating patients on exercises, assisting with therapeutic modalities, maintaining equipment, ensuring patient comfort and safety, scheduling appointments, communicating with healthcare team members, supporting administrative tasks.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A PT Assistant typically assists with patient exercises, prepares treatment areas, maintains equipment, documents progress notes, communicates with patients about their care plans, and supports physical therapists during sessions.
Work Environment
Hybrid
Physical therapy assistants work in clinics, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, often collaborating with therapists and assisting patients in recovery.
Physical Demands
Moderate
Physical therapy assistants must be able to lift patients, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive movements in a clinical environment, often requiring teamwork and communication.
PT Assistant Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a pt assistant, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Associate's degree.
Field: Physical Therapy, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health Sciences, Rehabilitation Services, Sports Medicine.
Experience
2 years
Employers seek PT Assistants with hands-on clinical experience, strong communication skills, empathy, teamwork abilities, and knowledge of rehabilitation techniques to effectively support patient care and enhance recovery outcomes.
Certifications
Certified Physical Therapy Assistant (CPTA), Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification, First Aid Certification, State Licensure or Registration.
Required Skills
Communication skills, empathy, physical stamina, attention to detail, organizational skills, teamwork, time management, problem-solving skills.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
PT Assistant Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for pt assistant from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Physical Therapy Aide, Rehabilitation Technician, Exercise Physiologist.
Early-career PT Assistants support physical therapists by assisting with patient care, conducting therapeutic exercises, maintaining equipment, documenting progress, and ensuring a safe rehabilitation environment.
Mid-Career
Rehabilitation Aide, Physical Therapy Technician, Exercise Physiologist.
Mid-career PT Assistants manage patient care, assist with therapeutic exercises, collaborate with therapists, maintain documentation, mentor junior staff, and ensure a safe rehabilitation environment.
Senior Management
Physical Therapy Manager, Rehabilitation Services Director, Clinical Operations Supervisor
Senior PT Assistants oversee patient care, manage staff, ensure compliance with regulations, coordinate treatment plans, and enhance operational efficiency in physical therapy settings.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 5 years
A Physical Therapy Assistant typically advances by gaining experience, pursuing further education, and obtaining certifications, potentially transitioning into roles like lead assistant or clinic manager. Career growth often leads to increased responsibilities and higher salaries.
PT Assistant Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for pt assistant, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased demand for physical therapy services due to an aging population, integration of telehealth and digital tools in rehabilitation practices, emphasis on patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans.
Growth Factors
Aging population, rising healthcare needs, increased awareness of physical therapy benefits, and expansion of rehabilitation services drive demand for PT Assistants.
Future Opportunities
Telehealth services, wearable health technology, AI-driven rehabilitation tools, virtual reality therapy, and personalized fitness apps are emerging niches creating new opportunities for PT Assistants.
PT Assistant Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for pt assistant, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
PT Assistant Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for pt assistant, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About PT Assistant Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a pt assistant, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a physical therapist assistant?
An associate degree from an accredited program and state licensure or certification.
What is the average salary of a physical therapist assistant?
The average salary ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
What type of education is required for a physical therapist assistant?
A two-year associate degree in physical therapy assisting from an accredited institution.
Are there opportunities for advancement as a physical therapist assistant?
Yes, with additional education and training, PTAs can advance to roles such as physical therapy supervisor or specialized areas.
Do physical therapist assistants get paid hourly or salaried?
PTAs typically receive hourly wages but may also be offered salaried positions depending on the employer.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.