How much does a pt aide make?
Answer: A typical pt aide in the United States makes $35,240 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 48,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
PT aide pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,360 | $35,240 | $47,780 | about 48,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $39,500 | about 760 |
| California | $38,330 | about 7,000 |
| Massachusetts | $37,440 | about 1,000 |
| Ohio | $37,220 | about 760 |
| Wisconsin | $36,820 | about 840 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, PT aide pay can differ with experience, location, and employer: BLS data show different pay across clinics, hospitals, and care homes. Aides do not need a state license, but work hours and evening or weekend shifts can change total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a pt aide do?
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
What's a typical day like?
A PT aide wipes down a treatment table, lays out equipment and clean linens, and helps patients get to and from the therapy area. Between visits, they may answer phones, book appointments, order supplies, or fill out insurance forms.
How to get this job
In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED, then apply; new PT aides usually learn on the job for about one week to one month. No state license is required, and BLS does not give a minimum starting age for this job.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and building and doing.
Did you know?
Surprise: a U.S. PT aide may book appointments and fill out insurance forms—not just set up exercise equipment.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Support jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/print/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-2022.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY