How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant make?
Physical Therapist Assistants play a vital role in healthcare. They work with patients to help them regain movement and manage pain. They earn a good living for their important work. The average yearly salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant is $72,072. This means many get to enjoy a comfortable life with their earnings.
The salary for Physical Therapist Assistants can vary based on several factors. These include experience, location, and type of employer. Many start at around $50,000 per year. As they gain experience, they can earn up to $125,000 or more. The top-earning Physical Therapist Assistants work in places like offices of physicians or hospitals. Their higher pay reflects the responsibility and expertise they bring to these settings.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $107,165
In Modesto, you can find rewarding work in healthcare facilities like Memorial Medical Center. The demand for physical therapy services supports a stable career. The community offers a range of opportunities for professional growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $95,766
San Francisco presents a dynamic environment with top-tier employers such as UCSF Health. Opportunities for specialization and professional development abound. The city’s diverse population adds variety to your work.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $95,069
Working in Salinas means being part of a close-knit community with employers like Natividad Medical Center. The region values skilled therapists and offers a supportive work atmosphere. It’s a great place for those who enjoy a balance of city and rural settings.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $94,439
San Jose offers a bustling job market with large healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s tech-forward environment brings innovation to physical therapy practices. Job stability and growth opportunities are plentiful.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $92,974
In Bakersfield, you’ll find a warm community with employers such as Adventist Health. The area emphasizes family and patient-centered care, providing a fulfilling work experience. The cost of living is manageable, making it a great place to build a career.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $91,857
Chico offers a more laid-back lifestyle with employers like Encompass Health. The city’s small-town feel provides a welcoming environment. It’s an excellent place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life while still having access to professional opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $91,300
Los Angeles presents a vibrant job market with major employers such as Cedars-Sinai. The city’s diverse population offers a wide range of cases and experiences. With a high demand for therapists, job stability is a key benefit.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $91,257
Santa Rosa offers a blend of urban and rural settings with employers like Kaiser Permanente. The area values skilled therapists and offers opportunities for professional development. It’s an ideal place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a community feel.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $90,844
Vallejo provides a balanced lifestyle with employers such as NorthBay Healthcare. The city’s mix of urban and suburban settings offers a supportive work environment. It’s a great place for those who value community and work-life balance.
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $90,163
Stockton offers a range of opportunities with employers like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s growing economy provides a stable environment for career growth. The cost of living is reasonable, making it an attractive place to work.
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What are the best companies a Physical Therapist Assistant can work for?

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American Hospice and Home Health Care Services
Average Salary: $187,500
American Hospice and Home Health Care Services values its Physical Therapist Assistants, offering a competitive salary. They provide care across several states, focusing on patient comfort and recovery in home settings.
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Ability Therapy, Inc.
Average Salary: $164,000
Ability Therapy, Inc. is known for its high-paying positions for Physical Therapist Assistants. They operate in various locations, emphasizing personalized care and professional growth.
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Pete Health
Average Salary: $146,342
Pete Health offers attractive salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants. They focus on providing innovative and effective therapies, with locations across the country.
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Neogen Care
Average Salary: $145,773
At Neogen Care, Physical Therapist Assistants enjoy competitive compensation. They offer a wide range of services, with a presence in multiple states.
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Tender Touch Therapy
Average Salary: $133,674
Tender Touch Therapy provides rewarding positions for Physical Therapist Assistants. They emphasize quality care and have locations in several regions.
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Omni Therapy
Average Salary: $123,871
Omni Therapy offers a good salary for Physical Therapist Assistants. They are committed to patient care and have a presence in multiple locations.
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AT HOME QUALITY CARE
Average Salary: $119,615
AT HOME QUALITY CARE provides fair compensation for Physical Therapist Assistants. They focus on delivering excellent care in home settings across various locations.
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ABL Health Care, LLC
Average Salary: $109,166
ABL Health Care, LLC offers decent salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants. They operate in several areas, dedicated to patient well-being and recovery.
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Bridge Home Health and Hospice
Average Salary: $109,074
Bridge Home Health and Hospice provides a good salary for Physical Therapist Assistants. They focus on compassionate care, with services in multiple regions.
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Vasona Creek Healthcare Center
Average Salary: $106,364
Vasona Creek Healthcare Center offers competitive pay for Physical Therapist Assistants. They are dedicated to quality care and have multiple locations.
How to earn more as a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a rewarding career path. It involves helping patients recover their mobility. If you aim to earn more as a PTA, consider several key strategies. Each step can lead to higher earnings and better job satisfaction.
First, gaining experience and building a strong professional reputation is vital. Experienced PTAs often find more opportunities and can negotiate better salaries. Working in high-demand areas like sports medicine or rehabilitation can also increase earning potential. Another way to earn more is by pursuing additional certifications. Specializations in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics can open up higher-paying positions. Continuing education and keeping skills up-to-date also lead to better job offers. Lastly, negotiating salary and benefits with potential employers can significantly impact earnings. Being prepared with knowledge about average salaries in your area and the benefits offered by different employers can lead to more successful negotiations.
The following are key factors to consider for increasing earnings:
- Gain more experience and build a strong professional reputation.
- Work in high-demand areas like sports medicine or rehabilitation.
- Pursue additional certifications in specialized fields.
- Continue education to keep skills current and improve expertise.
- Negotiate salary and benefits effectively with potential employers.



