Physical Therapist Assistants
O*NET 31-2021.00 · SOC 31-2021
Physical Therapist Assistant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $68k a year with +23% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 18,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Guide patients through prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises
- →Apply hot and cold packs to reduce patient pain
- →Assist patients learning to walk with crutches or walkers
- →Measure patient range of motion and document treatment progress
- →Use ultrasound or electrical stimulation equipment during therapy sessions
Education & How to Get In
Most Physical Therapist Assistant positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
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 Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Physical Therapist Assistant?
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 Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow 23% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than 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
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand
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 Assistant make?
The median Physical Therapist Assistant earns $68k 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 Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Physical Therapist Assistant at 14 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 42% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 23% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 18,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Most Physical Therapist Assistant roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Physical Therapist Assistant 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.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes