The national median hourly wage for physical therapy aides is $11.23 per hour. It’s even better in some states, like Oklahoma, Arkansas and Nebraska, at $12 to $14.50 an hour. It’s lowest in South Carolina and California, at $9.01 to $10.25 an hour.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapy aides was $29,080 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,500, and the top 10 percent earned more than $40,920.
Average salary for physical therapy aide
Physical therapy aides make anywhere from $18,160 to $35,910 per year, which is a decent salary compared to other jobs. However, the outlook for this career isn’t very promising. The number of jobs for physical therapy aides is expected to decline by ten percent in the next decade because many aides are retiring or moving into different professions. Before you decide on a career in this field, you should consider its high turnover rate, low pay and low job security.
Physical therapy aides perform a variety of non-medical duties including preparing treatment areas, cleaning equipment, moving patients and assisting with training. These professionals must be in good physical health and able to lift, push and pull equipment and objects. They also should have some knowledge of first aid practices as well as CPR. Overall employment for physical therapy aides is expected to grow 40 percent by 2022, significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage of physical therapy aides was $26,000 in May 2015. The middle 50% earned between $21,840 and $31,990. The lowest 10% earned less than $19,590, and the highest 10% earned more than $35,710.
Anyone interested in a career as a PT aide should take note of the fact that this field is growing! Also, be sure to keep your options open. Many PT aides do go on to complete training in order to work as physical therapy assistants. The bottom line is that PT aides enjoy their work and report high job satisfaction levels.
If you love kids, this could be a good career for you. You can use your physical therapy knowledge to help children who are disabled or who are just learning to walk do the things they need to do and still enjoy life!
