Position
Salary

How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant make?

The average salary for a Physical Therapist Assistant is $72,072 per year in the US.

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.

View Physical Therapist Assistant jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Physical Therapist Assistants can find some of the best pay in Modesto, CA. With an average salary of $107,165, it offers one of the highest earnings in the field. Other notable cities include San Francisco, CA, and Salinas, CA, where salaries are also above average. These cities provide strong opportunities for those in the physical therapy assistant field. San Francisco, with its average salary of $95,766, is another top choice. Salinas, CA, follows closely behind with an average salary of $95,069. Other cities like San Jose and Bakersfield also offer competitive pay, making them attractive places to work.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Physical Therapist Assistant jobs, highlighting Modesto, CA with the highest at $107,165 and Stockton, CA with the lowest at $90,163.
  1. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Chico, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA

What are the best companies a Physical Therapist Assistant can work for?

Companies like American Hospice and Home Health Care Services and Ability Therapy, Inc. offer top salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants. These firms value experienced therapists, providing competitive pay for their expertise. Additionally, Pete Health and Neogen Care are recognized for offering attractive compensation packages. Exploring opportunities at Tender Touch Therapy, Omni Therapy, and AT HOME QUALITY CARE can lead to rewarding positions with good pay. ABL Health Care, LLC, Bridge Home Health and Hospice, and Vasona Creek Healthcare Center also provide solid salaries. These companies recognize the vital role of Physical Therapist Assistants in patient care and offer fair compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Physical Therapist Assistant jobs, highlighting American Hospice and Home Health Care Services with the highest at $187,500 and Vasona Creek Healthcare Center with the lowest at $106,364.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Gain more experience and build a strong professional reputation.
  2. Work in high-demand areas like sports medicine or rehabilitation.
  3. Pursue additional certifications in specialized fields.
  4. Continue education to keep skills current and improve expertise.
  5. Negotiate salary and benefits effectively with potential employers.

Currently 7,191 Physical Therapist Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Physical Therapist Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Physical Therapist Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Physical Therapist Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Physical Therapist Assistant
7,191 Job Openings