Physical Therapists vs Physical Therapist Assistants salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Physical Therapists make $92,920 annually, while Physical Therapist Assistants make $60,740 per year. As a result, Physical Therapists earn a salary that is significantly higher than Physical Therapist Assistants.

However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Physical Therapists who work in Nevada (with an average salary of $104,210) may earn more than those who work in North Dakota ($81,480). And Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn 56% more on average than those in Idaho.

Physical Therapists vs Physical Therapist Assistants overview

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are two important roles in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

About a half of Physical Therapists have completed a Doctoral Degree, 38% hold a Master's Degree, and 8% have a Bachelor's Degree. In terms of experience, about a third of Physical Therapist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller number of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Physical Therapists employed by the United States in 2021 was 225,350, and they earned an average of $92,920 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $127,110 or more. The average salary has increased by 1.4% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make about a third more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a rise of 2%. The average job growth rate for the past 3 years has been -0.4%.

Physical Therapist Assistant job description

Physical Therapist Assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Physical Therapist Assistant education and experience

To become a Physical Therapist Assistant, an individual usually must obtain an Associate's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Bachelor's Degree (15%). Regarding experience, 37% of Physical Therapist Assistant occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (25%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.

Physical Therapist Assistant average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Physical Therapist Assistants employed in the United States was 93,660, and they earned an average of $60,740 per year. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $37,280 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $80,170 or more. The average salary marks an increase of 2.2% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Physical Therapist Assistants make good money?

The mean salary of Physical Therapist Assistants is nearly the same as the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, it is nearly the same as the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

The mean salary of Physical Therapist Assistants is nearly the same as the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Physical Therapists or Physical Therapist Assistants make more?

Physical Therapists make about a half more than Physical Therapist Assistants. The average annual pay for Physical Therapist Assistants is $60,740, while Physical Therapists earn $92,920 per year.

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

Becoming a Physical Therapist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. A Doctoral Degree itself usually takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 13 years to complete. On the other hand, becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant typically requires an Associate's Degree. An Associate's Degree usually takes around 2 years to obtain.

Is it harder to become a Physical Therapist vs Physical Therapist Assistant?

Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant, since an additional 11 years of education are required.