Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Healthcare · $68,380 median · ~1.5–2 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 25, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
Licensed everywhere, and the degree is required
Every state licenses PTAs and the job requires an accredited associate degree - there is no short-course route in. The work is physically demanding, and you practice under a physical therapist rather than independently.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- New PTA $50-60K
- Experienced $64-74K
- Senior or lead $76-88K. Home health and skilled nursing typically pay above outpatient clinics.
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $8,000–$30,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 5 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Start training
Complete a short training program — about 78 weeks to the basics.
- 2
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
New PTA
Entry$56,000Experienced PTA
Year 4$68,000Senior / lead
Year 8$80,000
In your state
State licensure
Licensure is required in most states, but the verified per-state list is still pending — check your state licensing board before enrolling. See “Data limitations” below.
Data limitations
- • The wage figures come from BLS. Training length, cost, and the pay figures on the career ladder are researched estimates - treat them as a guide, not a quote.
- • We have not compiled which states license this job yet. Check your state board before you enroll.
Common questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) make?
The median wage is $68,380 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $47,750 and $89,510. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
Typical training runs about 1.5 years. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required.
Do you need a college degree to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
No. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
Licensure is required in most states, but the exact per-state list is still being verified. Check your state licensing board before you enrol.
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