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Job outlook for staff physical therapy assistants in the United States
Staff physical therapy assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected staff physical therapy assistant job growth rate is 24% from 2018-2028.
About 33,900 new jobs for staff physical therapy assistants are projected over the next decade.
Staff physical therapy assistant salaries have increased 6% for staff physical therapy assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 87,350 staff physical therapy assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 127,104 active staff physical therapy assistant job openings in the US.
The average staff physical therapy assistant salary is $51,881.
Are staff physical therapy assistant jobs in demand?
Staff physical therapy assistant job and salary trends over time
Staff physical therapy assistant jobs over time
Staff physical therapy assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 87,350 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 86,492 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 90,315 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 87,900 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 84,095 | 0.03% |
Average staff physical therapy assistant salary over time
Staff physical therapy assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,881 | $24.94 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $51,030 | $24.53 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $50,379 | $24.22 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $49,850 | $23.97 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $49,138 | $23.62 | +2.6% |
Staff physical therapy assistant jobs by state
Most common states for staff physical therapy assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 199 | 32% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,122 | 31% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 206 | 30% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 394 | 29% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 266 | 20% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 215 | 20% |
| 7 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 341 | 19% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 341 | 18% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 98 | 17% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 973 | 16% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 562 | 16% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 508 | 16% |
| 13 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 476 | 16% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,913 | 15% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 973 | 15% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 898 | 15% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 149 | 15% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,006 | 14% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 776 | 14% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 104 | 14% |
Most common cities for staff physical therapy assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gloucester | 3 | 10% | $58,829 |
| 2 | Carbondale | 2 | 8% | $49,186 |
| 3 | Braintree Town | 2 | 5% | $59,215 |
| 4 | Bonita Springs | 2 | 4% | $47,214 |
| 5 | Springfield | 4 | 3% | $58,998 |
| 6 | Topeka | 4 | 3% | $49,456 |
| 7 | Brockton | 2 | 2% | $59,321 |
| 8 | Columbus | 2 | 1% | $52,098 |
| 9 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $59,092 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $59,496 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $52,137 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $55,071 |
| 13 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $43,937 |
Staff Physical Therapy Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of staff physical therapy assistant experts
Concordia University
University of New England
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Staff Physical Therapy Assistants?
Elizabeth Paly: According to Dr. Robert Barnhart, director and Dr. Elizabeth Paly Associate Professor at Concordia University's Doctoral Physical Therapy Program in Mequon, WI it is really too soon to predict because we are still in the midst of the pandemic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Staff Physical Therapy Assistants?
Elizabeth Paly: In the field of Physical Therapy to improve job prospects, become licensed. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification (CSCS) is helpful. Also, a dual certification as Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) could be useful depending on the setting that you work. Given the increased prevalence of those diagnosed with Parkinson Disease, becoming certified in The Lee Silverman Voice Training- Big (LSVT-Big) Program can also be increasingly favorable.
What soft skills should all Staff Physical Therapy Assistants possess?
Elizabeth Paly: Soft skills that are becoming increasingly more favorable in the work environment include active listening and communication skills, willingness to collaborate with others, creativity, and adaptability to changing situations.
What technical skills for a Staff Physical Therapy Assistant stand out to employers?
Tara Paradie: Again, my experience has been in the health care field--and I believe that employers are looking for graduates who are confident and bring their health care skills to the table, ready to assist and relieve the current workforce who has been working overtime to keep patients healthy and safe. The ability to be flexible and apply what they have learned in school immediately will be valued. I believe this to be true of any of the health professions that I am affiliated with--physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and nurse anesthesia, dental medicine and dental hygiene, social work and pharmacy.
What's a good job out of college for Staff Physical Therapy Assistants?
Tara Paradie: From our perspective, any that I have listed are all good jobs and are typically in high demand. Covid has changed the landscape, and I have not had a long enough experience with new graduates moving into this new economy to guess overall how the health care climate may have changed in the long term. My guess is that the demand will continue on, with new and heightened opportunities as patients are recovering from complications of Covid.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Staff Physical Therapy Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Tara Paradie: While I truly have not been studying the official trends, what I have been experience with my new graduates with Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees is that there is a lot of hiring that is part time, or reduced time, hoping that those positions will move to full-time positions as the conditions of the pandemic change. New graduates have accepted positions for 30 hours, 32 hours, and have also taken per-deim positions as they await more full-time positions becoming available.