Physical Therapist Assistants Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 356 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 82.43% / 61.59% / ($53,550)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)

Biological Technicians / 31.37% / 52.56% / ($51,430)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)

Helpers--Production Workers / 92.38% / 89.55% / ($36,700)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 89.23% / 53.66% / ($33,450)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Physical Therapist Assistants.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Physical Therapist Assistants" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Physical Therapist Assistants

Description: Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

U.S. Total Employment (2023): 93,800	U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.): 126,900
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.): 33,200 (35.4%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.): 16,400

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Physical Therapist Assistants":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Measure patients' range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Communicate with or instruct caregivers or family members on patient therapeutic activities or treatment plans.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Attend or conduct continuing education courses, seminars, or in-service activities.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Train patients in the use of orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
Importance: 95 (%)	Description: Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, such as crutches.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Perform postural drainage, percussions, or vibrations or teach deep breathing exercises to treat respiratory conditions.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.
Importance: 44 (%)	Description: Perform therapeutic wound care.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 98 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 84 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 84 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 73 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 65 (%)	Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Adjust positions of patients on beds or tables.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Assist patients with daily activities.
Attend educational events to update medical knowledge.
Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
Communicate patient status to other health practitioners.
Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
Document client health or progress.
Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
Engage patients in exercises or activities.
Fit patients for assistive devices.
Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Monitor medical equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Prepare medical reports or documents.
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
Record patient medical histories.
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
Teach medical procedures to healthcare personnel.
Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 83 (%)	Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 82 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Administer basic health care or medical treatments.

Activity: Administer therapeutic treatments.

Activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during medical procedures.

Activity: Assist individuals with special needs.

Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.

Activity: Confer with healthcare or other professionals about patient care.

Activity: Evaluate patient or client condition or treatment options.

Activity: Fit assistive devices to patients or clients.

Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.

Activity: Maintain health or medical records.

Activity: Monitor equipment operation.

Activity: Monitor health conditions of humans or animals.

Activity: Monitor resources or inventories.

Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities.

Activity: Prepare health or medical documents.

Activity: Prepare medical equipment or work areas for use.

Activity: Provide support or encouragement to others.

Activity: Train others on health or medical topics.

Activity: Transport patients or clients.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

Emerging Tech Skills

Data base user interface and query software:

Microsoft Access

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Medical software:

eClinicalWorks EHR software

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Operating system software:

Microsoft Windows

Presentation software:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Accounting software:

Bookkeeping software

Action games:

Video game software
Virtual reality game software

Billing and invoicing software:

Billing software

Calendar and scheduling software:

Scheduling software
SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO

Data base user interface and query software:

dBASE
FileMaker Pro

Electronic mail software:

Email software

Medical software (scroll table below):

Arena Health Systems Phys-X

Beaver Creek Software The THERAPIST

BioEx Systems Exercise Pro

Client caseload management software

Eazy Application Systems QuickEMR

Knees Software PT DocTools

Laboratory information system LIS

Medical condition coding software

PhysioTools Tools RG

Rehab Documentation Company ReDoc Suite

SpectraSoft DocuPRO

Summit Software CarePoint

TherAssist

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 84.2 (%)	Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 14.9 (%)	Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 1.0 (%)	Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 37.3 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 25.0 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 15.8 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 14.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 3.6 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 3.4 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

Local Salary Information

Select a State (scroll and Select) :

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

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Physical Therapy Aide
Physical Therapy Technician Certification

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Physical Therapist Assistants

Assistant

Certified Physical Therapist Assistant (CPTA)

Home Care Physical Therapy Assistant

Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant

Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant (Home Health PTA)

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (LPTA)

Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

Nursing Facility PTA (Nursing Facility Physical Therapy Assistant)

Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant

Per Diem Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem PTA)

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Physiotherapy Assistant

Rehabilitation Assistant (Rehab Assistant)

SNF PTA (Skilled Nursing Facility Physical Therapy Assistant)

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Physical Therapist Assistants" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Physical Therapist Aides
2 - Occupational Therapy Assistants
3 - Occupational Therapy Aides
4 - Psychiatric Technicians
5 - Respiratory Therapists
6 - Recreational Therapists
7 - Radiation Therapists
8 - Psychiatric Aides
9 - Medical Assistants
10 - Surgical Assistants
11 - Physical Therapists
12 - Occupational Therapists
13 - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
14 - Acute Care Nurses
15 - Physician Assistants
16 - Nurse Practitioners
17 - Emergency Medicine Physicians
18 - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
19 - Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
20 - Massage Therapists

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Physical Therapist Assistants". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Physical Therapist Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Physical Therapist Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Physical Therapist Assistants

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Physical Therapist Assistants" occupation.

Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page