PTA Info
The vast majority of people become physical therapy assistants because they love the industry and want to help patients with their rehabilitation.
However becoming a physical therapy requires a considerable investment of time, money and effort.
Therefore it is natural that most aspiring physical therapy assistants would like to know how much they can expect to earn in this profession.
Below you will find an overview of the average physical therapy assistant salary. You will also discover some of the best places to work and what you can do to ensure you maximize your salary.
What you can expect to Earn as a Physical Therapy Assistant
In 2012 the average physical therapy assistant salary was $52,320 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is important to understand that this is only a mean wage and will differ significantly depending upon experience and qualifications. A brand new physical therapy assistant should not expect to earn this much.
For a new physical therapy assistant the hourly rate will typically be between $18 – $20. The region in which you choose to practice will also make a difference with the highest paying states being Connecticut, Texas, California, New Jersey and Nevada.
How to Increase Your Physical Therapy Assistant Salary
There are a number of different ways that you can increase your physical therapy assistant salary. One of the most obvious is through experience. A physical therapy assistant with over 5 years experience can usually get over $24 an hour. Many hospitals and private health clinics offer annual pay rises to match experience.
Increasing your Physical Therapy Assistant Salary with Certifications
Another way of lifting your salary is to pursue further certifications. Basic life support certification, CPR certification, and athletic training certification can all help to raise your average PTA salary. This can be pursued while you are practising as physical therapy assistant.
Choosing the Right Place to Work
Where you choose to work can make a significant difference on how much you earn. If you choose to work for a school district then the pay rates will be lower than if you work at a private clinic or hospital. If you want to achieve a salary at the higher end then you need to work for an organization that will be willing and able to compensate you at this level.
Becoming a Fully Registered Physical Therapist
Finally you can also eventually become a fully registered physical therapist. This is the goal of most physical therapy assistants and is something you should aspire to if you want to make a significant step up in your earnings.
