Physical therapy aides play an important role in helping rehabilitation clinics operate efficiently. They prepare treatment areas, organize equipment, assist with patient movement, and handle administrative tasks that support physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

But how much does a physical therapy aide make in 2026?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $35,240 in May 2025. Actual pay varies based on location, employer, experience, working hours, and responsibilities.

This guide explains the average physical therapy aide salary, hourly pay, earning differences by work setting, education requirements, and career opportunities. It also explains how the physical therapy aide role differs from a physical therapist assistant (PTA).

Key Takeaways

• The median annual salary for physical therapist aides was $35,240 in May 2025, according to the BLS.
• The BLS reported a median hourly wage of approximately $16.94 for physical therapist aides in May 2025.
• The lowest 10% of physical therapist aides earned less than $25,360 annually, while the highest 10% earned more than $47,780.
• Physical therapy aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training.
• Salary varies by employer, geographic location, experience, and the responsibilities included in the role.
• Physical therapist aides and physical therapist assistants are different occupations with different education requirements and clinical responsibilities.

What Is a Physical Therapy Aide?

A physical therapy aide is a healthcare support professional who helps physical therapists and physical therapist assistants maintain an organized, safe, and efficient treatment environment.

Unlike physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aides generally do not provide skilled clinical treatment. Their responsibilities typically involve preparing equipment, maintaining treatment areas, assisting with patient flow, and completing clerical tasks.

Physical therapy aides work under the direction and supervision of healthcare professionals. Specific duties depend on the employer, facility, and applicable state and workplace requirements.

What Does a Physical Therapy Aide Do?

Common responsibilities include:

• Preparing treatment rooms and therapy equipment.
• Cleaning and disinfecting treatment areas and equipment.
• Assisting with patient transportation or movement, as directed and trained.
• Organizing supplies and maintaining inventory.
• Supporting patient scheduling and front-office administrative tasks.
• Preparing treatment areas for physical therapy sessions.
• Helping maintain a safe and organized clinical environment.

The exact responsibilities can differ between outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare settings.

Average Physical Therapy Aide Salary in 2026

The latest BLS wage data available for this guide reports that physical therapist aides earned a median annual wage of $35,240 in May 2025.

The median is the midpoint of the wage distribution. It is not the same as the average or mean salary.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary Breakdown

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 wage data for physical therapist aides.

The hourly figure is calculated from the reported annual median using 2,080 work hours per year. Actual hourly pay depends on an employee's scheduled hours, overtime, and employment arrangement.

How Much Does a Physical Therapy Aide Make Per Hour?

The BLS reported a median hourly wage of approximately $16.94 per hour for physical therapist aides in May 2025.

An individual aide may earn more or less than this amount based on their location, employer, experience, and responsibilities.

For example, an employee working 20 hours per week at $16.94 per hour would earn approximately $17,617 per year before taxes, assuming 52 weeks of work and no overtime.

This is an illustrative calculation, not a salary estimate for every part-time position.

How Much Does a Physical Therapy Aide Make Per Month?

Using the BLS median annual wage of $35,240, the approximate monthly gross income is:

$35,240 ÷ 12 = $2,937 per month

These figures are approximate calculations based on the annual median and do not account for taxes, benefits, overtime, or unpaid leave. Actual paychecks may vary.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by Experience

Experience can influence earning opportunities, responsibilities, and eligibility for different positions. However, the BLS wage data cited in this guide does not establish a verified national salary progression for physical therapist aides by years of experience.

Employers may consider prior healthcare experience, familiarity with clinical workflows, administrative skills, customer service, and knowledge of safety procedures when setting compensation.

Entry-Level Physical Therapy Aide Salary

Entry-level physical therapy aides typically learn their responsibilities through on-the-job training.

Common entry-level requirements include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to follow instructions and safety procedures.
• Communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a healthcare environment.
• Willingness to perform physical tasks associated with the role.

Starting pay depends on the employer, local labor market, scheduled hours, and required duties. Candidates should review the hourly rate and complete compensation package in each job posting.

Experienced Physical Therapy Aide Salary

Experienced aides may develop stronger skills in clinic operations, equipment preparation, patient flow, inventory management, and administrative support.

Experience may help candidates qualify for roles with broader responsibilities, but additional earnings are not guaranteed. Salary decisions are determined by the employer and the specific job requirements.

For workers considering long-term growth, relevant experience can also help them evaluate further education or career transitions in rehabilitation and healthcare.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by Work Setting

Physical therapy aides work in a range of healthcare environments. Compensation can vary by facility type, employer, location, schedule, and job responsibilities.

The BLS provides occupation-specific wage information by industry. The following table presents the reported median annual wages for physical therapist aides in selected industries in May 2025.

Average Salary by Employer Type

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.

These are industry-level medians and do not represent guaranteed salary offers. A specific employer's pay may differ based on location, experience, schedule, and responsibilities.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary in Outpatient Clinics

Outpatient physical therapy clinics are a common workplace for physical therapist aides.

Typical responsibilities may include preparing treatment spaces, organizing equipment, supporting patient flow, and handling administrative tasks. Pay varies by clinic size, geographic location, experience, and employer.

The BLS reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $34,100 for physical therapist aides in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary in Hospitals

Hospital-based physical therapy aides may work in rehabilitation departments and support activities such as equipment preparation, treatment-area organization, and patient transportation.

The BLS reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $38,450 for physical therapist aides in hospitals.

Hospital positions may have different schedules, staffing structures, and requirements from outpatient clinics. Applicants should review each position's duties and working hours.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities employ healthcare support staff to help maintain clinical operations and patient-care environments.

The BLS reported a May 2025 median annual wage of $43,410 for physical therapist aides in nursing care facilities.

Job responsibilities and staffing requirements vary by facility. Candidates should confirm the physical demands, training, supervision, and scope of duties before accepting a role.

Physical Therapy Aide Salary by State

Physical therapy aide pay varies across the United States. State and metropolitan-area wages can differ based on local labor markets, employer demand, cost of living, and facility type.

There is no single salary figure that accurately represents every physical therapy aide in a state. For reliable comparisons, use occupation-specific wage data from the BLS and its state and area resources.

How to Find Physical Therapy Aide Salary by State

To research salaries in a particular state:

1. Visit the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
2. Look for data for physical therapist aides.
3. Review the available state and metropolitan-area wage information.
4. Compare the wage data with job postings in your target location.
5. Consider benefits, work hours, commute, and cost of living alongside base pay.

When comparing locations, avoid assuming that a higher nominal salary automatically provides greater purchasing power. Housing, transportation, taxes, and other expenses can affect take-home value.

What Factors Affect Physical Therapy Aide Salary?

Several factors can influence how much a physical therapy aide earns.

1. Geographic Location

Wages vary between states, cities, and local labor markets. Employers in different regions may offer different compensation for similar roles.

Research the pay range for the specific city or metropolitan area where you intend to work.

2. Employer and Work Setting

Compensation can vary across outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and government employers.

The BLS industry data above demonstrates differences in reported median wages across work settings.

3. Experience

Experience with clinical workflows, equipment handling, patient communication, and administrative support may help candidates qualify for different job opportunities.

However, experience does not guarantee a specific salary increase.

4. Education and Additional Skills

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient for entry into physical therapist aide roles. Some employers may prefer candidates with relevant healthcare experience or additional training.

Skills such as scheduling, communication, organization, safety awareness, and familiarity with healthcare environments can be useful in the workplace.

5. Work Schedule

Full-time, part-time, evening, weekend, and other scheduling arrangements can affect total earnings.

When comparing job offers, look at the hourly rate, expected weekly hours, overtime policy, and benefits rather than relying only on annualized salary.

Physical Therapy Aide vs. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapy aides and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) support rehabilitation services, but they have different education requirements and job responsibilities.

A physical therapy aide generally performs nonclinical support tasks. A physical therapist assistant provides patient care under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist and must meet applicable education and licensing or certification requirements.

Key Differences Between a PT Aide and PTA

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The salary figures are occupation-specific national medians and should not be interpreted as an individual salary guarantee.

Learn more about physical therapist assistant careers and compensation.

How to Become a Physical Therapy Aide

Becoming a physical therapy aide is generally more accessible than entering a licensed clinical role.

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Most physical therapist aide roles require a high school diploma or equivalent. Review the specific education requirements in the job description.

Step 2: Develop Relevant Skills

Employers may look for candidates who demonstrate:

• Communication and teamwork.
• Reliability and organization.
• Basic knowledge of safety and hygiene.
• Ability to follow clinical instructions.
• Comfort working around patients and healthcare staff.

Step 3: Gain On-the-Job Training

Physical therapist aides typically learn workplace procedures through on-the-job training.

Training may include equipment handling, cleaning protocols, clinic workflow, patient support procedures, and administrative responsibilities.

Step 4: Explore Career Advancement

Some people use aide positions to gain exposure to rehabilitation before pursuing further education. Others continue in support or administrative roles.

Career progression depends on personal goals, qualifications, employer requirements, and opportunities in the local job market.

Is Physical Therapy Aide a Good Career Starting Point?

A physical therapy aide role may be suitable for individuals interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, and working in a clinical environment.

Potential benefits include:

• Exposure to physical therapy and rehabilitation workflows.
• Opportunities to develop healthcare workplace skills.
• Entry into a clinical support environment without the education requirements of a PTA role.
• Experience working with therapists, patients, and healthcare teams.

However, the role may also involve standing for extended periods, repetitive tasks, equipment preparation, cleaning, and patient movement support. Candidates should consider the physical demands, schedule, compensation, and long-term career goals before accepting a position.

Physical Therapy Aide Career Outlook

The BLS projects employment of physical therapist aides to grow by 4% from 2025 to 2035.

The outlook for physical therapist assistants is different, with the BLS projecting 23% growth over the same period.

These are separate occupational projections. The combined category of physical therapist assistants and aides is not the same as the aide occupation alone.

Healthcare demand, workforce replacement, employer staffing needs, and reimbursement conditions can affect opportunities across rehabilitation settings.

For official employment projections and occupation details, visit the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average salary for a physical therapy aide in 2026?

The latest BLS data cited in this guide reports a median annual wage of $35,240 for physical therapist aides in May 2025. This is the most recent wage reference used here, not a separate 2026 salary survey.

2. How much do physical therapy aides make per hour?

The median hourly wage was approximately $16.94 in May 2025, based on BLS data. Actual hourly compensation varies by employer, location, experience, and schedule.

3. Do physical therapy aides need a degree?

Physical therapist aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. Requirements may vary by employer and role.

4. What is the difference between a physical therapy aide and a PTA?

A physical therapy aide generally performs support and administrative tasks, while a physical therapist assistant provides direct patient-care services under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs typically require an accredited associate degree and applicable state licensure or certification.

5. Can physical therapy aides become physical therapist assistants?

A physical therapy aide may choose to pursue the education and clinical training required to become a physical therapist assistant. The transition requires meeting the applicable program admission, education, examination, and state licensure or certification requirements.

6. Do physical therapy aides get paid more in hospitals?

Hospital-based physical therapist aides had a reported median annual wage of $38,450 in May 2025, compared with $34,100 for aides in offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists. These figures are industry-level medians and do not guarantee higher pay for every hospital position.

7. Does certification increase physical therapy aide salary?

The available BLS data does not establish a guaranteed salary premium for physical therapy aide certification. Certification requirements and employer preferences vary. Candidates should evaluate the cost, recognition, and job relevance of any training program before enrolling.

8. What skills help physical therapy aides succeed?

Useful skills include communication, organization, reliability, safety awareness, equipment preparation, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions in a healthcare environment.

Conclusion

Physical therapy aide roles provide an entry point into healthcare and rehabilitation support. The BLS reported a median annual wage of $35,240 for physical therapist aides in May 2025, with pay varying by employer, location, experience, and working conditions.

If you're considering a career as a physical therapy aide, compare job responsibilities, compensation, work schedules, and opportunities for professional development. For those interested in advancing into clinical roles, researching the education and licensing requirements for physical therapist assistants can help clarify the next steps.

Understanding how rehabilitation clinics operate can also provide useful context for anyone exploring healthcare careers, clinic administration, or physical therapy practice management.