Physical therapy attendant vs registered physical therapist

The differences between physical therapy attendants and registered physical therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a registered physical therapist has an average salary of $72,910, which is higher than the $39,324 average annual salary of a physical therapy attendant.

The top three skills for a physical therapy attendant include therapeutic exercises, therapy equipment and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a registered physical therapist are patients, respiratory care, and healthcare.

Physical therapy attendant vs registered physical therapist overview

	Physical Therapy Attendant	Registered Physical Therapist
Yearly salary	$39,324	$72,910
Hourly rate	$18.91	$35.05
Growth rate	24%	17%
Number of jobs	104,492	85,771
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	39	41
Years of experience	-	-

Physical therapy attendant vs registered physical therapist salary

Physical therapy attendants and registered physical therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Therapy Attendant	Registered Physical Therapist
Average salary	$39,324	$72,910
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $60,000	Between $49,000 And $107,000
Highest paying City	-	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Functional Pathways
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between physical therapy attendant and registered physical therapist education

There are a few differences between a physical therapy attendant and a registered physical therapist in terms of educational background:

	Physical Therapy Attendant	Registered Physical Therapist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Physical Therapy	Physical Therapy
Most common college	Duke University	Duke University

Physical therapy attendant vs registered physical therapist demographics

Here are the differences between physical therapy attendants' and registered physical therapists' demographics:

	Physical Therapy Attendant	Registered Physical Therapist
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 36.8% Female, 63.2%	Male, 33.8% Female, 66.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% Asian, 10.4% White, 68.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 15.0% White, 69.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	7%	12%

Differences between physical therapy attendant and registered physical therapist duties and responsibilities

Physical therapy attendant example responsibilities.

Manage flexible schedule at various company facilities categorize as ILF, ALF, and SNF.
Followed/Implement physical and occupational rehabilitation plans.
Followed/Implement physical and occupational rehabilitation plans.

Registered physical therapist example responsibilities.

Manage rehabilitation department and coordinate the rehabilitation program to the facility.
Excel in ability to customize/adapt conventional physical therapy techniques to meet the specific needs of patients.
Place orders for appropriate assistive devices, orthotics and prosthetics as per patient need.
Administer rehabilitation therapies, which improve patient's mobility and movement.
Operate and supervise oscillating traction for patients depending on insurance qualification.
Evaluate patients and work closely with other clinicians for determining need for and obtaining specialize equipment and/or orthotic devices.

Physical therapy attendant vs registered physical therapist skills

Common physical therapy attendant skills

Therapeutic Exercises, 33%
Therapy Equipment, 26%
Rehabilitation, 22%
Direct Patient Care, 11%
Patient Treatment, 8%

Common registered physical therapist skills

Patients, 47%
Respiratory Care, 12%
Healthcare, 8%
PTA, 7%
Rehabilitation, 6%
Home Health, 6%

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Physical Therapy Attendant
Physical Therapy Attendant vs Registered Physical Therapist

Updated January 8, 2025

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