Physical therapist technician vs physiotherapist

The differences between physical therapist technicians and physiotherapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physical therapist technician has an average salary of $70,364, which is higher than the $70,054 average annual salary of a physiotherapist.

The top three skills for a physical therapist technician include patients, rehabilitation and patient care. The most important skills for a physiotherapist are patients, rehabilitation, and home health.

Physical therapist technician vs physiotherapist overview

	Physical Therapist Technician	Physiotherapist
Yearly salary	$70,364	$70,054
Hourly rate	$33.83	$33.68
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	74,733	46,916
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	-	-

Physical therapist technician vs physiotherapist salary

Physical therapist technicians and physiotherapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Therapist Technician	Physiotherapist
Average salary	$70,364	$70,054
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $103,000	Between $47,000 And $103,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between physical therapist technician and physiotherapist education

There are a few differences between a physical therapist technician and a physiotherapist in terms of educational background:

	Physical Therapist Technician	Physiotherapist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Physical Therapy
Most common college	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Physical therapist technician vs physiotherapist demographics

Here are the differences between physical therapist technicians' and physiotherapists' demographics:

	Physical Therapist Technician	Physiotherapist
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%	Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Asian, 11.4% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 17.7% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between physical therapist technician and physiotherapist duties and responsibilities

Physical therapist technician example responsibilities.

Demonstrate working knowledge of community mental health services identify in the Medicaid guidelines and attain contractual outcomes within designate time frames.
Order supplies for patients needs such as braces, wheelchairs, and walkers.
Administer traction to relieve cervical and lumbar pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment.
Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches.
Provide a variety of modalities to therapy patients including: cryotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasound, electrical stem.
Instruct patients as to proper exercise techniques and monitor during sessions to ensure safety and facilitate efficient rehabilitation.

Physiotherapist example responsibilities.

Assess needs for specialize equipment, orthotics, and wheelchairs as well as possible interventions to manage spasticity and joint contractures.
Provide first-aid, physical therapy treatment and complete rehabilitation for injure players.
Provide support for rehabilitation services department, assisting therapy staff members when necessary.
Facilitate psychological adjustment of patients with extensive/grossly deforming injuries through counseling, pleasant mannerisms and use of good humor.
Work with patients having different conditions on a daily basis by administering physician prescribe treatments including exercise regimens, muscle stretching/relaxations.
Enhance skills of differential diagnosis with an OCS CI.

Physical therapist technician vs physiotherapist skills

Common physical therapist technician skills

Patients, 52%
Rehabilitation, 10%
Patient Care, 5%
Electrical Stimulation, 3%
Traction, 3%
Physical Therapy Treatment, 3%

Common physiotherapist skills

Patients, 33%
Rehabilitation, 13%
Home Health, 9%
Physical Therapy, 8%
Physiotherapy, 6%
Diagnosis, 4%

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Physical Therapist Technician
Physical Therapist Technician vs Physiotherapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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