How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant make?
A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) plays a key role in helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses. They earn a good salary, which makes this a rewarding career choice. On average, a PTA makes about $72,913 per year. This average includes many different levels of experience and location. Some PTAs earn less, while others earn more, depending on their skills and where they work.
Looking at the different salary ranges, we see that most PTAs earn between $50,000 and $84,000 a year. This range shows that starting out, PTAs can expect to earn a respectable income. With more experience and additional training, they can move up to higher pay grades. The highest earners in this field make over $125,000 annually. This shows that there are good opportunities for growth and higher earnings with time and dedication.
What are the highest paying cities for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

-
Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $98,654
In Modesto, professionals find rewarding work with top healthcare providers like Memorial Medical Center and Doctors Medical Center. The area offers a strong community and good job opportunities for those helping others with physical recovery.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $96,596
Working in San Francisco provides a unique experience with many renowned institutions like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s vibrant culture enriches the work environment, making it an exciting place for growth.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $94,621
Salinas offers a close-knit community feel with several healthcare facilities such as Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The area’s mild climate makes it pleasant for both work and personal life.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA
-
Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $94,600
In Bakersfield, job seekers can find positions with top employers like Kern Medical Center and Adventist Health. The city’s growing healthcare sector offers good prospects for those looking to make a difference.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Bakersfield, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $94,472
San Jose is home to numerous healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care. The tech-driven environment provides innovative opportunities for those in the field.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $93,123
Santa Rosa offers a welcoming atmosphere with employers like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. The area’s blend of natural beauty and professional opportunities makes it a great place to work.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $91,729
Vallejo presents a dynamic work environment with notable employers like Kaiser Permanente. The area’s rich history and community spirit enhance the professional experience.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $91,453
Stockton is a growing area with opportunities at facilities like St. Joseph’s Medical Center. The city’s supportive community makes it a great place for personal and professional growth.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Stockton, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $91,218
Los Angeles offers a diverse work environment with major employers such as Cedars-Sinai and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s vibrant culture and numerous opportunities make it an exciting place to work.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $91,101
Sacramento provides a stable work environment with top institutions like UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s central location and growing healthcare sector offer promising career paths.
Find Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA
What are the best companies a Physical Therapist Assistant can work for?

-
Tender Home Health
Average Salary: $164,773
Tender Home Health offers Physical Therapist Assistant jobs with competitive salaries. They focus on providing in-home care and work in various locations. Their commitment to quality care makes them a top choice.
-
Neogen Care
Average Salary: $156,667
Neogen Care provides rewarding Physical Therapist Assistant positions. They operate in multiple cities, emphasizing patient care and professional growth. Their supportive environment attracts many skilled professionals.
-
Pete Health
Average Salary: $145,856
Pete Health is recognized for offering high-paying jobs for Physical Therapist Assistants. They serve communities in several states, ensuring comprehensive care. Their dedication to excellence makes them a great employer.
-
ACE Home Health Care & Hospice
Average Salary: $132,650
ACE Home Health Care & Hospice offers attractive salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants. They provide home health and hospice care in various regions. Their focus on patient well-being is evident in their work.
-
Elite Physical Therapy Services, Inc.
Average Salary: $130,000
Elite Physical Therapy Services, Inc. provides Physical Therapist Assistant jobs with competitive pay. They work in many areas, focusing on high-quality rehabilitation services. Their strong reputation draws talented professionals.
-
Omni Therapy
Average Salary: $125,055
Omni Therapy offers rewarding positions for Physical Therapist Assistants. They serve multiple locations, emphasizing patient-centered care. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in their work.
-
BrightStar Care
Average Salary: $115,089
BrightStar Care provides Physical Therapist Assistant jobs with good salaries. They operate in several cities, focusing on in-home care. Their supportive environment helps professionals grow.
-
AT HOME QUALITY CARE
Average Salary: $114,091
AT HOME QUALITY CARE offers attractive salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants. They provide in-home care in various regions, emphasizing quality and patient well-being. Their strong reputation attracts skilled professionals.
-
Compassionate Care Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $110,000
Compassionate Care Home Health Agency offers Physical Therapist Assistant jobs with competitive pay. They focus on home care in several locations, ensuring high-quality services. Their dedication to patient care is evident.
-
Tender Touch Therapy
Average Salary: $109,607
Tender Touch Therapy provides Physical Therapist Assistant jobs with good salaries. They offer home health care in multiple areas, emphasizing patient care and professional development. Their supportive environment helps professionals thrive.
How to earn more as a Physical Therapist Assistant?
A career as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) can be rewarding. It offers many opportunities for growth and higher earnings. By focusing on specific strategies, a PTA can increase their salary and job satisfaction. This article explores key factors that can help a PTA earn more.
Here are five important factors that can lead to higher earnings:
- Get Certified: Obtaining a PTA certification can open more job opportunities. Certification ensures the PTA has the necessary skills and knowledge. Certified PTAs often command higher salaries.
- Gain Experience: Experience is a crucial factor in earning more. Working in the field for several years can lead to promotions and higher pay. Gaining experience in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices, can also be beneficial.
- Specialize: Specializing in a specific area, such as pediatrics, sports medicine, or geriatrics, can make a PTA more valuable. Specialization allows PTAs to work with specific patient groups, often leading to higher pay.
- Pursue Continuing Education: Continuing education helps PTAs stay current with the latest techniques and technologies. This can lead to better job performance and higher earnings. Workshops, seminars, and advanced certifications can all be useful.
- Network: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Networking with other PTAs, physical therapists, and healthcare professionals can provide valuable connections and information about higher-paying jobs.



