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How to become physical therapist aideseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Caregiving Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$35,240
25th–75th pct. $30,410–$38,810
Top pay (est.)
$62,100
Top 10% $47,780
Pay in 5 years
$41,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$48,400est.
$41,600–$56,200
Outlook score
56/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
20%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.0%
6,400 openings / yr

How to become physical therapist aides

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Physical Therapist Aides

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Service Orientation
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Writing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.1
Computers and Electronics
3.8
English Language
3.3
Psychology
3.1
Administrative
2.9
Public Safety and Security
2.8
Therapy and Counseling
2.7
Education and Training
2.5

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsAssisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionNear VisionSpeech ClarityOral ExpressionTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
34%
Associate's degree
25%
Doctoral degree
10%
Less than high school
10%
Some college
10%
Bachelor's degree
9%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
62%
6–12 months
20%
None / short demo
10%
3–6 months
5%
1–3 months
3%

Related work experience

6–12 months
40%
1–2 years
22%
None
21%
3–6 months
10%
2–4 years
5%
1–3 months
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as physical therapist aides

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.