Physical Therapist Aide Salary Calculator

The following sections walk through every aspect of Physical Therapist Aide compensation, from salary ranges and entry-level pay to job market hotspots, employer comparisons, and location-based adjustments used by this salary calculator.

1. What Are the Salary Ranges for a Physical Therapist Aide?
2. What Is the Entry Level Salary for a Physical Therapist Aide?
3. How Much Does a Physical Therapist Aide Earn at Entry Level vs Senior Level?
4. Where Are the Best Job Markets for Physical Therapist Aides?
5. Which Employers Hire Physical Therapist Aides and What Do They Pay?
6. What Does a Physical Therapist Aide Do on the Job?
7. What Factors Push Physical Therapist Aide Salary Higher?
8. What Factors Reduce Physical Therapist Aide Salary?
9. What Benefits Do Physical Therapist Aides Typically Receive?
10. What Skills Affect Physical Therapist Aide Salary?
11. How Does Physical Therapist Aide Salary Vary by Different States and Cities?

The salary calculator uses a national median hourly base pay of $15.75 as its starting reference point. For a standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week, this translates to approximately $630 per week, $2,730 per month, and $32,760 per year at the midpoint. However, the calculator produces LOW and HIGH ranges rather than a single figure, reflecting real-world variation.

At the low end of the range, physical therapist aides in smaller markets with limited experience may see hourly rates near $12.50 to $13.50, which corresponds to an annual salary of roughly $26,000 to $28,080 at full-time hours. At the high end, aides with significant experience working in large metro areas can reach $18.50 to $21.00 per hour, or approximately $38,480 to $43,680 annually.

These figures assume a full-time, 40-hour week. Users who select part-time status or adjust their weekly hours will see proportionally scaled weekly, monthly, and annual estimates. The hourly rate itself remains the same, but all downstream calculations change accordingly.

Entry level for a physical therapist aide is defined as having limited professional experience—typically under one year—and a high school diploma or equivalent without additional postsecondary credentials. The salary calculator reflects this by applying downward adjustments for both minimal experience and lower education level, producing an estimated hourly range of approximately $12.50 to $14.25.

On a full-time basis, this places the entry-level annual salary range at roughly $26,000 to $29,640. These estimates shift based on the job market size selected in the calculator. An entry-level aide working in a large metro area such as New York City or Los Angeles will see a slightly higher range than one starting in a small or rural market, because the calculator applies a positive market-size adjustment factor for larger metros.

The after-tax estimates for entry-level positions are also worth examining. An entry-level aide filing as single in a state with moderate income tax and contributing 3% to a 401(k) will take home noticeably less than gross estimates suggest, and the calculator quantifies this difference precisely.

The salary calculator distinguishes between early-career and senior-level physical therapist aides primarily through years of experience and education level adjustments. The gap between these two tiers is meaningful, though not as dramatic as in licensed clinical roles.

Senior-level aides often take on supervisory duties over newer staff, manage equipment inventory, and handle more complex patient preparation tasks. The salary calculator captures this progression: selecting 7 or more years of experience and an associate degree pushes estimates toward the upper boundary. Working in a large metro further amplifies this. For instance, a senior aide in a large metro area in Maryland or New Jersey can expect to land at or above the top of the estimated range.

The strongest job markets for physical therapist aides combine high healthcare facility density, aging populations, and competitive cost-of-living-adjusted wages. Large metro areas with major hospital systems and outpatient rehabilitation networks consistently produce the most openings and highest pay.

The salary calculator applies a large metro adjustment factor for these cities, which is why estimates run higher than the national median. Areas like Phoenix and Atlanta offer slightly lower gross pay but also lower cost of living, which means their after-tax, cost-adjusted take-home can be competitive.

Physical therapist aides are employed across hospital systems, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, with pay varying by employer type and size.

Kaiser Permanente stands out with notably higher pay, largely because its positions are concentrated in high-cost California markets and the organization maintains a compensation structure that reflects regional living costs. The salary calculator's location and market-size adjustments model this same dynamic. Outpatient clinic chains such as ATI and Athletico offer consistent hiring volume across the Midwest and Southeast, while hospital-based employers like HCA Healthcare tend to offer broader benefits packages even when hourly rates are comparable.

Physical therapist aides perform non-clinical support tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Their daily responsibilities have a direct bearing on the salary ranges produced by the calculator, because the scope of duties often expands with experience and setting.

Core tasks include preparing treatment areas, transporting patients to and from therapy sessions, cleaning and organizing equipment, laundering linens, and maintaining supply inventories. Aides also assist patients with mobility tasks such as moving onto treatment tables, positioning during exercises, and applying or removing hot and cold packs as directed by the supervising clinician.

In outpatient orthopedic clinics, aides may also handle front-desk responsibilities like scheduling, insurance verification, and patient intake paperwork. This dual clinical-administrative function is common at high-volume practices and can push hourly rates toward the upper end of the calculator's range. Aides working in skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation centers may focus more heavily on patient transfers and equipment setup, with less administrative overlap.

The salary calculator reflects how these varied responsibilities correlate with experience and setting. An aide handling only basic cleanup in a small clinic will fall at the lower end, while one managing equipment logistics and patient flow in a busy metro hospital will align with higher estimates.

Several concrete factors drive the salary calculator's estimates toward the higher end of the range for physical therapist aides.

Large metro job markets are the single most impactful factor. The calculator applies a positive adjustment for large metro areas because healthcare facilities in dense urban centers face higher operating costs and competition for support staff. Aides working in cities like Boston, San Diego, or Seattle consistently land above the national median.

Years of experience beyond five create a measurable uplift. Experienced aides who can manage patient flow independently, train new hires, and troubleshoot equipment issues are more valuable to employers, and the calculator models this through its experience slider.

Education level matters as well. An aide with an associate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a health-related field will see higher estimates than one with only a high school diploma. Some employers, particularly hospital systems, explicitly tie pay bands to education credentials.

Employer type plays a role too. Hospital-based positions and those at integrated health systems like Kaiser Permanente or large academic medical centers tend to pay at the top of the range. Working in a state with a higher minimum wage floor, such as Connecticut or California, also lifts the baseline.

Specialized settings such as pediatric rehabilitation, sports medicine clinics, or acute inpatient rehab units often compensate aides at a premium due to the pace and complexity of the work environment.

The salary calculator also identifies conditions that push estimates toward the lower boundary.

Small or rural job markets apply a negative adjustment factor. In areas with fewer healthcare facilities, competition for aide positions is lower, and employers often set pay closer to minimum wage levels. Rural skilled nursing facilities in states like Indiana or Ohio illustrate this pattern clearly.

Minimal experience is the most common low-salary driver. With zero to one year of experience selected in the calculator, the hourly estimate drops well below the $15.75 median baseline.

Part-time hours reduce weekly, monthly, and annual estimates proportionally. Many physical therapist aide positions are offered at 20 to 30 hours per week rather than full-time, which the calculator models directly when the user adjusts the hours-per-week input.

No postsecondary education keeps estimates at the floor. Aides without any college coursework or relevant certifications do not receive the education-level uplift in the calculator.

1099 contractor classification, while uncommon for aides, eliminates employer-paid payroll tax contributions and benefits. The calculator's after-tax module shows a significantly lower net income for 1099 workers compared to W-2 employees at the same gross hourly rate, because self-employment tax consumes a larger share of earnings.

Benefits for physical therapist aides vary substantially by employer type and employment classification, and the salary calculator's after-tax module helps quantify the financial impact of some of these differences.

W-2 employees at mid-sized and large healthcare employers commonly receive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, holiday pay, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching. The calculator allows users to input a 401(k) contribution percentage, which reduces taxable income and adjusts the after-tax salary estimate accordingly. A 5% contribution on a $33,000 annual salary, for example, reduces the taxable figure by $1,650 and shifts take-home pay visibly in the output.

Hospital systems such as HCA Healthcare and academic medical centers often extend additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, continuing education stipends, and discounted gym memberships. These non-wage benefits do not appear in the calculator's salary output but represent meaningful compensation for aides considering long-term career development toward physical therapist assistant or other clinical roles.

Aides classified as 1099 independent contractors—a scenario occasionally seen with staffing agencies or small private practices—receive no employer-sponsored benefits. The calculator's W-2 vs 1099 toggle captures the financial cost of this difference by applying self-employment tax to the gross income, resulting in a lower after-tax estimate. Contractors must also purchase their own health insurance and fund their own retirement accounts without employer matching.

The skills a physical therapist aide possesses directly influence where they fall within the salary calculator's LOW to HIGH range, because employers consistently pay more for aides who bring efficiency and reliability to the clinic.

Patient handling and transfer techniques are the most essential physical skills. Aides who can safely assist patients of varying mobility levels—including bariatric patients or those with neurological conditions—are more trusted with complex cases and earn accordingly.

Equipment operation and maintenance knowledge, including familiarity with electrical stimulation devices, ultrasound units, traction tables, and exercise machines, differentiates aides who contribute to clinical throughput from those limited to basic cleanup tasks.

Electronic health record (EHR) proficiency is increasingly valued. Aides comfortable navigating systems like WebPT, Clinicient, or Epic can assist with documentation support and patient scheduling, making them more versatile and worth higher pay.

Communication and patient interaction skills are critical in high-volume outpatient settings. Aides who can explain exercise protocols clearly, manage patient expectations during wait times, and coordinate smoothly with therapists reduce operational friction.

CPR and basic first aid certification, while often required, becomes a salary factor when combined with additional credentials like a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) designation. The calculator's education-level input can approximate the impact of such credentials by selecting a higher education tier.

Bilingual ability, particularly in Spanish, is a concrete salary advantage in markets like Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix, where patient populations are linguistically diverse and bilingual support staff command a premium.

The salary calculator adjusts estimates based on location, factoring in state income tax, regional cost of living, healthcare demand density, and job market size. Below is a detailed breakdown of how specific states and cities affect Physical Therapist Aide pay.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary outlook in New York?

New York applies a progressive state income tax that is higher than most states, which the calculator reflects in after-tax estimates. However, the concentration of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics across the state—particularly in the New York City metro—produces strong demand and above-average gross pay. Aides in upstate markets like Buffalo or Rochester will see lower estimates than those in the metro area due to the calculator's market-size adjustment.

What do Physical Therapist Aides earn in California?

California's high minimum wage floor lifts the entry-level baseline above the national median. State income tax is among the highest in the nation, which the calculator captures in its after-tax output. The sheer volume of outpatient PT clinics, especially in Southern California, creates consistent demand. Large employers like Kaiser Permanente set a high-pay benchmark in this state.

How does Florida affect Physical Therapist Aide pay?

Florida has no state income tax, which means the calculator's after-tax estimates are notably higher relative to gross pay compared to states like California or New York. The state's large retiree population drives strong demand for rehabilitation services. However, many facilities in mid-sized Florida markets offer hourly rates closer to the national median rather than above it, so gross pay may not be as high as in northeastern metros.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Texas?

Texas also has no state income tax, producing favorable after-tax results in the calculator. The state's large metro areas—Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin—generate substantial demand. However, cost of living varies widely across the state, and smaller Texas markets may offer hourly rates below the $15.75 median. The calculator's market-size selector is particularly important for Texas-based users.

How much do Physical Therapist Aides make in Michigan?

Michigan has a moderate state income tax and a healthcare sector anchored by large systems like Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health. Detroit metro positions receive the large-market adjustment in the calculator, while outstate positions in places like Traverse City or Saginaw fall into mid-sized or small market tiers with correspondingly lower estimates.

What is the salary for Physical Therapist Aides in Georgia?

Georgia's salary landscape is dominated by the Atlanta metro, which accounts for the majority of physical therapy aide positions in the state. State income tax is moderate. Aides outside the Atlanta area—in cities like Savannah or Macon—will see lower calculator estimates due to smaller market size and reduced employer competition.

How does Ohio compare for Physical Therapist Aide pay?

Ohio offers moderate pay that tracks close to the national median in its larger metros like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. State income tax is moderate and progressive. The cost of living is relatively low, which means after-tax purchasing power can be competitive. Rural Ohio positions will trigger the calculator's small-market adjustment, pulling estimates below the baseline.

What do Physical Therapist Aides earn in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a flat state income tax that is relatively modest. The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) and Charlotte areas offer the strongest demand and qualify for mid-sized to large metro adjustments in the calculator. The state's growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure are positive demand signals for aides.

How does Illinois affect Physical Therapist Aide salary estimates?

Illinois has a flat state income tax, and the Chicago metro area is the dominant market for physical therapist aide employment in the state. Chicago-area aides receive the large-metro adjustment, while positions in downstate markets like Springfield or Peoria will reflect mid-sized or small market factors. The concentration of major hospital systems and outpatient chains in Chicagoland drives competitive hourly rates.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Maryland?

Maryland's proximity to Washington, DC creates a high-demand corridor for healthcare support staff. State income tax is above average and includes local county taxes in some jurisdictions, which the calculator's state tax input reflects. Aides in the Baltimore–Washington corridor consistently see estimates at or above the national high end.

How much do Physical Therapist Aides make in Indiana?

Indiana has a flat and relatively low state income tax, producing modest after-tax reductions. The Indianapolis metro is the primary large-market area. Other regions of the state qualify as mid-sized or small markets in the calculator, where hourly rates tend to fall below the national median. Major employers include IU Health and Community Health Network.

What is the salary outlook for Physical Therapist Aides in Virginia?

Northern Virginia, anchored by the Washington, DC metro area, is the highest-paying region for aides in the state. The calculator applies a large-metro adjustment for this area. Central and southern Virginia positions, including the Richmond and Roanoke markets, fall into mid-sized categories with more moderate estimates. State income tax is moderate.

How does Connecticut affect Physical Therapist Aide earnings?

Connecticut has one of the higher state income tax rates and a high cost of living, both of which are reflected in the calculator's after-tax estimates. However, gross hourly rates are also above average, driven by the state's affluent patient demographics and proximity to the New York City labor market. Aides in the Stamford–Bridgeport corridor and Hartford area will see the strongest estimates.

What do Physical Therapist Aides earn in New Jersey?

New Jersey combines high demand from its dense network of outpatient rehabilitation clinics with above-average state income tax. The proximity to both the New York City and Philadelphia metros creates labor market competition that pushes hourly rates upward. The calculator applies favorable market-size adjustments for most of northern and central New Jersey.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Chicago?

Chicago is one of the strongest markets for physical therapist aides in the Midwest. The city's large hospital systems—including Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health—and numerous outpatient chains like Athletico create steady demand. The calculator's large-metro factor applies, producing hourly estimates of approximately $15.75 to $19.50. Illinois's flat state income tax keeps after-tax results relatively predictable.

How much do Physical Therapist Aides make in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers among the highest gross hourly rates for aides nationally, driven by California's high minimum wage, the city's massive healthcare infrastructure, and significant demand from a large and diverse population. The calculator reflects this with its large-metro and state-tax adjustments. After-tax estimates will be lower relative to gross pay than in no-income-tax states, but the gross figures remain compelling at $16.75 to $21.00 per hour.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in New York City (NYC)?

NYC produces the highest gross estimates in the calculator's range for physical therapist aides, with hourly rates reaching $17.00 to $21.50. The concentration of major medical centers—NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, NewYork-Presbyterian—and hundreds of outpatient PT clinics fuels demand. However, New York state and city income taxes significantly reduce after-tax income, and the calculator's after-tax module will show a meaningful gap between gross and net pay for NYC-based aides.

How does Houston affect Physical Therapist Aide salary?

Houston's large-metro status and Texas's lack of state income tax make it an attractive market. The Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, employs support staff across dozens of affiliated institutions. The calculator produces hourly estimates of $14.75 to $18.50, and after-tax results are favorable due to the zero state income tax.

What do Physical Therapist Aides earn in Phoenix?

Phoenix is a growing healthcare market driven by an influx of retirees and an expanding population. Arizona's moderate state income tax means after-tax estimates are middle-of-the-road. The calculator applies a large-metro adjustment for Phoenix, producing hourly estimates of $14.25 to $17.75. Banner Health is the dominant employer in the region.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Atlanta?

Atlanta is the primary healthcare hub for the Southeast, with Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and Grady Health System among the major employers. The calculator applies a large-metro adjustment, and Georgia's moderate state income tax keeps after-tax estimates reasonable. Hourly estimates range from $14.50 to $18.00, with higher figures going to experienced aides at hospital-based facilities.

How much do Physical Therapist Aides make in San Diego?

San Diego shares California's high minimum wage and state tax structure. The city's military medical facilities—Naval Medical Center San Diego and associated VA clinics—represent a unique employer segment for aides in this market. The calculator's large-metro factor produces hourly estimates of $16.50 to $20.50, with after-tax reductions reflecting California's income tax rates.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC's high cost of living and competitive healthcare labor market push gross hourly rates to $16.25 to $20.50. MedStar Health, Georgetown University Hospital, and George Washington University Hospital are key employers. DC has its own income tax structure, which the calculator processes separately from any state. After-tax estimates reflect the relatively high tax burden but remain strong in absolute dollar terms.

How does Boston affect Physical Therapist Aide pay?

Boston's world-renowned hospital network—Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Medical Center—creates robust demand for physical therapist aides. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax that is above the national average. The calculator produces hourly estimates of $16.50 to $20.75 for this large metro, making Boston one of the highest-paying markets for this role on the East Coast.

What do Physical Therapist Aides earn in Dallas?

Dallas benefits from Texas's zero state income tax and a large, growing healthcare sector. Baylor Scott & White Health, UT Southwestern, and Texas Health Resources are major employers. The calculator applies the large-metro adjustment, producing hourly estimates of $14.50 to $18.25. After-tax take-home is particularly favorable here compared to similarly sized metros in higher-tax states.

What is the Physical Therapist Aide salary in Seattle?

Seattle combines Washington state's lack of income tax with a high cost of living and strong healthcare demand. The calculator's large-metro adjustment produces hourly estimates of $16.75 to $21.00, and the absence of state income tax makes after-tax estimates among the most favorable nationally. Virginia Mason, UW Medicine, and Swedish Medical Center are prominent employers for aides in this market.