Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021) employed 112,430 people in May 2025. The median pay is $68,380 a year ($32.88 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $47,750 and the highest-paid 10% more than $89,510. BLS projects its employment to change by +23.0% between 2025 and 2035 (about 18,500 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: Associate's degree.
Highest median pay: California ($83,110), Massachusetts ($79,460), New Jersey ($78,440). Most jobs: Texas (10,510), Florida (9,870), California (9,400).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,750 | $22.96 |
| 25th percentile | $59,820 | $28.76 |
| Median | $68,380 | $32.88 |
| Mean | $68,730 | $33.04 |
| 75th percentile | $78,680 | $37.83 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $89,510 | $43.03 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 114,100 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 140,400 |
| Change in jobs | 26,200 |
| Percent change | +23.0% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 18,500 |
| Self-employed share | n/a |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,700 | 1.77 | $61,430 | $49,340 | $79,060 | -10% | 21% |
| Alaska | 110 | 0.45 | $77,640 | $65,640 | $87,850 | +14% | 22% |
| Arizona | 2,010 | 0.86 | $64,650 | $36,160 | $79,570 | -5% | 31% |
| Arkansas | 1,620 | 1.72 | $64,520 | $31,540 | $85,280 | -6% | 18% |
| California | 9,400 | 0.71 | $83,110 | $59,500 | $102,800 | +22% | 30% |
| Colorado | 1,350 | 0.65 | $64,810 | $48,580 | $89,550 | -5% | 34% |
| Connecticut | 980 | 0.80 | $75,880 | $62,070 | $82,870 | +11% | 25% |
| Delaware | 340 | 0.98 | $74,610 | $51,750 | $83,510 | +9% | 25% |
| District of Columbia | 40 | 0.08 | $63,400 | $45,750 | $82,250 | -7% | 37% |
| Florida | 9,870 | 1.37 | $72,530 | $58,650 | $81,080 | +6% | 30% |
| Georgia | 2,620 | 0.74 | $72,800 | $43,400 | $89,600 | +6% | 25% |
| Hawaii | 250 | 0.56 | $67,510 | $49,920 | $74,770 | -1% | 35% |
| Idaho | 560 | 0.90 | $61,020 | $37,780 | $75,050 | -11% | 27% |
| Illinois | 4,890 | 1.11 | $65,240 | $41,600 | $81,890 | -5% | 24% |
| Indiana | 2,830 | 1.22 | $65,280 | $46,410 | $80,060 | -5% | 20% |
| Iowa | 1,060 | 0.94 | $61,030 | $45,760 | $74,950 | -11% | 19% |
| Kansas | 1,300 | 1.25 | $64,500 | $52,520 | $79,550 | -6% | 20% |
| Kentucky | 2,580 | 1.78 | $61,480 | $27,870 | $79,500 | -10% | 19% |
| Louisiana | 1,670 | 1.19 | $65,370 | $24,360 | $81,520 | -4% | 20% |
| Maine | 410 | 0.88 | $66,250 | $53,440 | $80,530 | -3% | 22% |
| Maryland | 1,430 | 0.72 | $77,670 | $39,260 | $91,570 | +14% | 27% |
| Massachusetts | 2,640 | 1.00 | $79,460 | $62,030 | $88,280 | +16% | 28% |
| Michigan | 4,520 | 1.42 | $61,670 | $35,700 | $78,600 | -10% | 23% |
| Minnesota | 1,230 | 0.58 | $66,770 | $58,010 | $77,420 | -2% | 23% |
| Mississippi | 1,150 | 1.37 | $61,770 | $51,720 | $78,830 | -10% | 19% |
| Missouri | 2,490 | 1.18 | $63,770 | $50,460 | $79,000 | -7% | 20% |
| Montana | 250 | 0.67 | $62,650 | $52,310 | $77,990 | -8% | 23% |
| Nebraska | 980 | 1.33 | $61,370 | $48,100 | $77,690 | -10% | 22% |
| Nevada | 560 | 0.50 | $75,520 | $49,140 | $87,930 | +10% | 27% |
| New Hampshire | 500 | 1.02 | $71,440 | $59,540 | $80,940 | +4% | 26% |
| New Jersey | 1,810 | 0.58 | $78,440 | $62,620 | $90,090 | +15% | 28% |
| New Mexico | 700 | 1.11 | $62,280 | $30,470 | $85,040 | -9% | 22% |
| New York | 3,620 | 0.52 | $64,100 | $46,350 | $81,000 | -6% | 31% |
| North Carolina | 3,280 | 0.92 | $67,540 | $56,100 | $80,850 | -1% | 24% |
| North Dakota | 120 | 0.38 | $63,520 | $30,480 | $77,600 | -7% | 19% |
| Ohio | 7,040 | 1.75 | $63,820 | $51,280 | $84,130 | -7% | 20% |
| Oklahoma | 2,380 | 1.93 | $59,480 | $24,960 | $79,860 | -13% | 21% |
| Oregon | 890 | 0.63 | $73,180 | $56,620 | $89,480 | +7% | 26% |
| Pennsylvania | 4,270 | 0.97 | $62,580 | $49,610 | $78,010 | -8% | 24% |
| Rhode Island | 420 | 1.15 | $68,640 | $58,380 | $76,990 | +0% | 25% |
| South Carolina | 1,870 | 1.12 | $70,500 | $47,510 | $88,070 | +3% | 22% |
| South Dakota | 300 | 0.89 | $49,310 | $40,120 | $63,930 | -28% | 24% |
| Tennessee | 3,390 | 1.43 | $62,500 | $48,010 | $80,800 | -9% | 25% |
| Texas | 10,510 | 1.03 | $78,000 | $43,900 | $99,640 | +14% | 23% |
| Utah | 970 | 0.77 | $61,980 | $34,190 | $84,000 | -9% | 31% |
| Vermont | 100 | 0.46 | $71,600 | $60,580 | $83,250 | +5% | 22% |
| Virginia | 3,370 | 1.13 | $73,760 | $54,170 | $93,600 | +8% | 27% |
| Washington | 2,150 | 0.84 | $66,450 | $36,610 | $93,140 | -3% | 33% |
| West Virginia | 980 | 1.93 | $60,430 | $45,510 | $79,160 | -12% | 18% |
| Wisconsin | 1,650 | 0.78 | $64,080 | $51,960 | $77,440 | -6% | 21% |
| Wyoming | 240 | 1.17 | $63,550 | $48,180 | $79,320 | -7% | 19% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 400 | $97,190 | $69,290 | $118,810 | 0.49 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 1,040 | $95,920 | $66,600 | $116,850 | 0.60 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 1,180 | $84,930 | $57,030 | $100,230 | 1.26 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 570 | $84,290 | $64,000 | $102,910 | 0.73 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 870 | $82,160 | $42,050 | $101,060 | 0.78 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 3,730 | $82,140 | $59,710 | $101,060 | 0.82 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 1,860 | $80,430 | $62,710 | $89,150 | 0.95 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 2,110 | $80,370 | $37,890 | $104,890 | 0.72 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 620 | $79,250 | $37,310 | $90,450 | 0.63 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 860 | $79,210 | $62,100 | $98,650 | 0.69 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 1,340 | $78,790 | $50,910 | $103,540 | 0.59 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 2,210 | $77,280 | $42,480 | $101,290 | 0.93 |
| Worcester, MA | 310 | $76,900 | $60,440 | $87,730 | 1.24 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 960 | $76,830 | $47,520 | $98,890 | 1.18 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 3,220 | $75,620 | $45,250 | $89,510 | 0.47 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | 430 | $75,520 | $49,140 | $90,970 | 0.53 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 1,370 | $74,730 | $43,400 | $89,610 | 0.66 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 470 | $74,690 | $56,100 | $90,760 | 0.54 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | 380 | $74,140 | $56,530 | $83,520 | 1.20 |
| Richmond, VA | 560 | $73,640 | $54,850 | $83,090 | 1.18 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 790 | $73,300 | $51,700 | $82,000 | 1.43 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 320 | $72,600 | $61,750 | $83,670 | 1.81 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 3,420 | $72,530 | $61,740 | $79,600 | 1.68 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 410 | $72,520 | $45,130 | $101,030 | 1.92 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 3,520 | $72,230 | $41,600 | $82,880 | 1.08 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 630 | $72,150 | $58,380 | $78,930 | 1.23 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,650 | $71,540 | $59,380 | $80,880 | 0.79 |
| El Paso, TX | 320 | $71,140 | $36,820 | $93,600 | 1.31 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 930 | $71,110 | $59,840 | $80,580 | 0.91 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 870 | $70,720 | $57,910 | $83,250 | 0.88 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 1,340 | $70,170 | $59,170 | $81,900 | 1.28 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 730 | $69,790 | $60,650 | $77,420 | 0.52 |
| Columbus, OH | 1,100 | $69,480 | $56,280 | $96,250 | 1.37 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | 450 | $69,380 | $51,210 | $82,990 | 1.85 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | 1,040 | $69,050 | $48,630 | $80,800 | 1.31 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 700 | $68,700 | $50,470 | $79,280 | 1.62 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 390 | $67,890 | $60,060 | $86,950 | 0.73 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 750 | $67,460 | $57,760 | $79,540 | 1.35 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 1,100 | $65,820 | $53,070 | $79,400 | 1.14 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 830 | $65,650 | $49,000 | $88,370 | 1.05 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | 480 | $65,630 | $59,300 | $78,670 | 0.81 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 880 | $65,580 | $51,610 | $80,990 | 1.10 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,120 | $65,450 | $36,610 | $96,850 | 0.74 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 590 | $65,320 | $52,840 | $94,100 | 0.51 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 930 | $65,170 | $51,070 | $87,880 | 1.17 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 310 | $64,990 | $39,900 | $81,910 | 0.51 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 510 | $64,930 | $51,160 | $85,550 | 1.89 |
| Cleveland, OH | 1,280 | $64,800 | $56,390 | $83,400 | 1.71 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 1,440 | $64,720 | $36,160 | $79,880 | 0.84 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 460 | $64,110 | $31,220 | $92,120 | 1.78 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 330 | $63,820 | $55,930 | $79,220 | 2.78 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 440 | $63,470 | $44,980 | $80,680 | 1.22 |
| Toledo, OH | 530 | $63,450 | $50,880 | $81,530 | 2.51 |
| Akron, OH | 450 | $63,050 | $50,350 | $80,680 | 1.95 |
| Columbia, SC | 300 | $62,920 | $43,150 | $81,520 | 1.05 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 310 | $62,730 | $26,980 | $82,710 | 1.48 |
| Birmingham, AL | 800 | $62,380 | $35,980 | $79,060 | 2.12 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 340 | $62,360 | $48,960 | $79,040 | 1.74 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 1,880 | $62,220 | $29,230 | $80,490 | 1.36 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 750 | $61,830 | $28,790 | $80,600 | 1.52 |
The median is $68,380 a year ($32.88 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $47,750 and the highest-paid tenth over $89,510 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
112,430 in May 2025, and BLS projects +23.0% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: Associate's degree (BLS).
California, with a median of $83,110 (among states with published figures).