Physical Therapist Aides: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Physical Therapist Aides fall under the Healthcare Support category in the U.S. occupational classification. Physical Therapist Aides earn a median salary of $34,520 per year, ranking in the top 97% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.8% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do physical therapist aides earn?

The median annual wage for physical therapist aides is $34,520. That puts physical therapist aides at #785 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is physical therapist aides a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for physical therapist aides is +2.8%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 45K positions in 2024 to 46K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do physical therapist aides do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working physical therapist aides, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
2. 2.Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
3. 3.Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
4. 4.Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
5. 5.Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
6. 6.Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
7. 7.Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
8. 8.Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.

Top skills for physical therapist aides

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become physical therapist aide?

Entry into physical therapist aides typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, often coupled with state licensing exams or clinical hours. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
  $68,340 median
• Physical Therapist Assistants
  $65,510 median
• Massage Therapists
  $57,950 median
• Dental Assistants
  $47,300 median
• Medical Equipment Preparers
  $46,490 median
• Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
  $46,050 median

Common questions parents ask about physical therapist aides