Physical Therapist Aides Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay $35,240, Outlook & How to Become One
Physical Therapist Aides earn a median salary of $35,240 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data. That works out to about $17 per hour, with 10% of aides making below $25,360 and the top 10% earning over $47,780. This guide covers what you can expect to earn, how pay varies by state, and what it takes to break into the field.
How much Physical Therapist Aides earn
The national median salary for Physical Therapist Aides is $35,240 annually. The BLS reports a mean wage of $36,430, or roughly $17.52 per hour. Half of all aides earn between the 25th and 75th percentiles, spanning $29,000 to $41,000.
Experience and setting play a big role. Aides in hospitals and nursing homes typically earn more than those in private physical therapy offices. Overtime is rare, but full-time schedules are common.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. Alaska tops the list at $55,760 mean annual wage — more than double the lowest-paying state. Minnesota ($42,330), Colorado ($41,970), New Hampshire ($40,460), and Maine ($39,660) round out the top five.
On the lower end, Louisiana pays a mean of $22,460, followed by Kansas ($25,280) and Alabama ($27,290). Regional cost of living differences account for some of this gap, but not all.
How to become Physical Therapist Aide
Becoming a Physical Therapist Aide is one of the quickest healthcare entries. Unlike Physical Therapist Assistants, aides do not need a license or associate degree. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training that lasts a few weeks to a month.
- Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Step 2: Apply for entry-level aide positions at hospitals, rehab centers, or private PT clinics.
- Step 3: Complete on-the-job training (usually 1–4 weeks).
- Step 4: Optional — earn CPR certification or take a short aide training program to stand out.
- No formal certification or licensing exam is required in most states.
Job outlook
Employment for Physical Therapist Aides is projected to grow 2.8% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 6,600 job openings per year over the decade, largely driven by retirements and turnover. Current employment stands at 48,150.
Demand is tied to an aging population needing physical therapy for joint replacements, strokes, and sports injuries. However, automation and the shift to assistive roles may limit faster growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a Physical Therapist Aide in 2025?
The national median salary is $35,240 per year, with a mean of $36,430 (about $17.52/hour). The typical range is $25,360 to $47,780.
How do I become a Physical Therapist Aide?
You need a high school diploma or GED. Most employers provide on-the-job training lasting a few weeks. No license or formal certification is required.
What is the job growth for Physical Therapist Aides?
The BLS projects 2.8% growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average. That means about 6,600 openings each year.
Which states pay the most for Physical Therapist Aides?
Alaska ($55,760), Minnesota ($42,330), Colorado ($41,970), New Hampshire ($40,460), and Maine ($39,660) are the top-paying states.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Physical Therapist Aides data.