Physical Therapist Aides
O*NET 31-2022.00 · SOC 31-2022
Physical Therapist Aide is a solid career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with +4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Clean and sanitize physical therapy treatment tables and equipment
- →Prepare treatment areas and gather supplies before patient appointments
- →Transport patients in wheelchairs between therapy and patient rooms
- →Assist patients with removing clothing before physical therapy sessions
- →Return therapy equipment to storage after treatment sessions end
Education & How to Get In
Physical Therapist Aide roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Physical Therapist Aide involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Physical Therapist Aide?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Physical Therapist Aide Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Physical Therapist Aides is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Aide make?
The median Physical Therapist Aide earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Physical Therapist Aide jobs?
Our model puts Physical Therapist Aide at 32 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Physical Therapist Aide a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Physical Therapist Aide?
Most Physical Therapist Aide roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Aide?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Physical Therapist Aide career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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