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Job outlook for therapy aides in the United States
Therapy aide job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected therapy aide job growth rate is 25% from 2018-2028.
About 11,500 new jobs for therapy aides are projected over the next decade.
Therapy aide salaries have increased 7% for therapy aides in the last 5 years.
There are over 63,386 therapy aides currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,598 active therapy aide job openings in the US.
The average therapy aide salary is $29,312.
Are therapy aide jobs in demand?
Therapy aide job and salary trends over time
Therapy aide jobs over time
Therapy aide job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63,386 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 66,612 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 70,986 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 65,300 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 67,904 | 0.02% |
Average therapy aide salary over time
Therapy aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,312 | $14.09 | +3.3% |
| 2025 | $28,389 | $13.65 | +3.8% |
| 2024 | $27,350 | $13.15 | --3.6% |
| 2023 | $28,360 | $13.63 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $27,515 | $13.23 | +1.9% |
Therapy aide jobs by state
Most common states for therapy aides
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 343 | 26% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 105 | 17% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,006 | 15% |
| 4 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,005 | 15% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 434 | 15% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 270 | 14% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 411 | 13% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 175 | 13% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 140 | 13% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 221 | 12% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 591 | 11% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 953 | 10% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 106 | 10% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 84 | 10% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,183 | 9% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 825 | 9% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 502 | 9% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 312 | 9% |
| 19 | Alaska | 739,795 | 70 | 9% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 65 | 9% |
Most common cities for therapy aides
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port Charlotte | 1 | 2% | $25,421 |
| 2 | West Orange | 1 | 2% | $24,221 |
| 3 | Akron | 1 | 1% | $35,916 |
| 4 | Fargo | 1 | 1% | $32,088 |
| 5 | Muncie | 1 | 1% | $30,091 |
| 6 | Port Saint Lucie | 1 | 1% | $25,405 |
| 7 | Springfield | 1 | 1% | $29,187 |
| 8 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $34,419 |
| 9 | Fort Worth | 1 | 0% | $22,187 |
| 10 | Plano | 1 | 0% | $22,145 |
Therapy Aide job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of therapy aide experts
Western University of Health Sciences
Josh Matacotta
Assistant Dean of Assessment & Strategic Initiatives, Assistant ProfessorWestern University of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Therapy Aide resumes?
Josh Matacotta: One skill that should stand out on the resume is working effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Rehabilitation technicians who will successfully work with administrative staff, clinicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals are highly sought. A rehab technician will work alongside doctors and therapists and interact with other professionals and support staff within their work setting. Having an appreciation for teamwork and how patients ultimately benefit from the effective collaboration is essential.
What soft skills should all Therapy Aides possess?
Josh Matacotta: I teach psychosocial and cultural aspects of healthcare to health sciences students. We explore the impact of psychological, social, and cultural factors that affect interactions between the care provider and their patients. Authentic empathy, active listening, cultural humility, and an ability to communicate in a way that makes others truly feel heard are essential soft skills to have. Many people experienced increased isolation due to COVID-19. This reminded so many of us how vital social connection is to our wellbeing. In the rehabilitation setting, you will experience patients contending with challenges associated with a newly acquired disability or an injury that has placed limitations on their activities of daily living. I cannot stress enough how necessary soft skills are so that you can help your patients and the people around them feel hopeful.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Therapy Aides?
Josh Matacotta: Comfort with computers and a willingness to learn how to use various software is essential. Technicians and aides will prepare, record, and navigate patient records and case management data. Day-to-day duties might vary greatly depending on the setting you are working in. Generally, it would be best if you had a good understanding of physiology and anatomy, patient confidentiality, and protected health information.
What skills will help Therapy Aides earn the most?
Josh Matacotta: As an educator of various health science students, I remind students that they are lifelong learners. After graduation, stay abreast of the latest science through continuing education. I think specializing in a particular setting or a particular condition may help you earn more, especially if there is a shortage of expertise in a specific area or setting. I might add that knowledge about healthcare administration, or organizational skills would help you earn the most.