Physical Therapist Aide Salary in 2026
How Much Do Physical Therapist Aides Make?
Physical Therapist Aides earn a median annual salary of $34,520 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $24,960 at the 10th percentile to $46,930 at the 90th percentile — a range of $21,970. The highest-paying state is Minnesota at $44,340.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $24,960 |
| 25th percentile | $29,710 |
| Median (50th) | $34,520 |
| 75th percentile | $38,240 |
| 90th percentile | $46,930 |
Physical Therapist Aide Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesotatop | $44,340 |
| Alaska | $42,320 |
| Massachusetts | $38,000 |
| District of Columbia | $37,820 |
| Washington | $37,730 |
| Colorado | $37,210 |
| Hawaii | $36,470 |
| Iowa | $36,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,420 |
| North Dakota | $36,290 |
| California | $36,290 |
| New Jersey | $35,920 |
| Ohio | $35,880 |
| Oregon | $35,880 |
| Maine | $35,870 |
| New Mexico | $35,760 |
| Wisconsin | $35,700 |
| Connecticut | $35,280 |
| North Carolina | $35,190 |
| New York | $34,970 |
| Arizona | $34,910 |
| Montana | $34,870 |
| Illinois | $34,790 |
| South Dakota | $34,290 |
| New Hampshire | $34,250 |
| Florida | $33,520 |
| Rhode Island | $32,610 |
| Texas | $32,050 |
| Maryland | $31,370 |
| Georgia | $30,920 |
| South Carolina | $30,750 |
| Tennessee | $30,700 |
| Michigan | $30,160 |
| Delaware | $29,640 |
| Wyoming | $29,460 |
| Nevada | $29,430 |
| West Virginia | $29,320 |
| Indiana | $29,020 |
| Virginia | $28,840 |
| Kansas | $28,810 |
| Kentucky | $28,770 |
| Arkansas | $28,670 |
| Idaho | $28,610 |
| Missouri | $28,340 |
| Utah | $27,860 |
| Mississippi | $26,900 |
| Nebraska | $26,540 |
| Alabama | $25,220 |
| Oklahoma | $24,350 |
| Louisiana | $21,600 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Physical Therapist Aides
Physical Therapist Aide Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$24,960 – $29,710 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$34,520 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$38,240 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $46,930+ |
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist Aide
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Physical Therapist Aides in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA earn $44,070 — $9,550 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($38,240) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Physical Therapist Aide Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Aidethis career | $34,520 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,340 |
| Physical Therapist | $101,020 |
| Radiation Therapist | $101,990 |
| Recreational Therapist | $60,280 |
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SOC: 31-2022.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.