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Avg. salary range
$63k–$71k
across regions
Hours / Day
8
Days / Week
5
working days
About this career
A physical therapy assistant (PTA) is a healthcare professional who helps patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions that affect their movement. Working under the supervision of a physical therapist, PTAs lead patients through exercises, stretches, and other treatments designed to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. They also teach patients how to use equipment like walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs safely. Physical therapy assistants work in places such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, sports medicine clinics, and private physical therapy offices. They encourage and motivate patients throughout their recovery while keeping track of their progress and sharing updates with the physical therapist. Becoming a PTA typically requires completing a two-year accredited associate degree program and passing a licensing exam. This career is a great fit for students who enjoy science, staying active, working with people, and helping others improve their quality of life.
Career Level
Where you could work
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Where do we get our data?
Our career data is based on regional averages provided by the Spokane Workforce Council. Data is subject to change based on location, job specialty, experience level, and/or union association.
What you'll need
Hover or tap a skill to learn more.
Attention To Detail
Do you often notice things that other people miss? Are you able to complete a project with few or no mistakes?
Communication
Are you able to write or vocalize your thoughts efficiently? Can you retain information that you hear or read?
Compassion
Are you able to understand how someone else is feeling without judgment? Do you reach out when you see someone in need of help?
Problem Solving
Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Are you able to easily identify the cause of a problem?
Education & Training
Associate's Degree
An associate's degree is the shortest post-secondary degree. Increasingly, people are turning to associate's as a quicker, less expensive route to career change than the traditional bachelor's or four-year degree. Associate's degrees usually take between two and three years to complete.
Compensation
Spokane
Washington
Low
$47,200
Average
$62,600
High
$77,100
Washington minimum wage
Salary data reflects regional averages and may vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Work Schedule
Shift cycle
5 on · 2 off per cycle
Typical shifts are 9am until 5pm, Monday through Friday. Shifts may differ based on company.
How does it compare?
Average Salary
$66,550
Overall Rank
128th
out of 199 careers
In Health Science
28th
out of 39 careers
Salary distribution
Rankings are based on average salary data across all careers in our database. Individual earnings may vary.
See it in action
