8 High-Paying Jobs For Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. While many PTAs work in traditional settings such as hospitals and clinics, there are numerous high-paying job opportunities available in various industries. Here, we'll explore eight high-paying jobs for physical therapist assistants, including their median salaries, job descriptions, and required skills.

The Importance of Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants are essential members of the healthcare team, providing critical support to physical therapists and helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. PTAs work with patients of all ages, from children to older adults, and assist with a wide range of tasks, including exercise programs, manual therapy, and patient education.

High-Paying Jobs for Physical Therapist Assistants

While the median salary for PTAs in the United States is around $58,000 per year, there are many high-paying job opportunities available in various industries. Here are eight high-paying jobs for physical therapist assistants:

1. Travel Physical Therapist Assistant

Travel PTAs work in temporary positions, often in different locations, to provide coverage for staffing shortages or to help with short-term projects. This role requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

• Median salary: $75,000 - $100,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, travel experience, and ability to work in fast-paced environments

Benefits of Travel PTAs

• Opportunity to work in different locations and experience new cultures
• Higher salary rates compared to traditional PTA roles
• Chance to develop new skills and experience different work environments

2. Physical Therapist Assistant in Sports Medicine

PTAs working in sports medicine work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. This role requires a strong understanding of sports physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science.

• Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working with athletes, and knowledge of sports medicine principles

Benefits of PTAs in Sports Medicine

• Opportunity to work with athletes and help them achieve their goals
• Chance to develop expertise in sports-specific injuries and treatments
• Potential to work in professional sports teams or sports medicine clinics

3. Physical Therapist Assistant in Pediatric Care

PTAs working in pediatric care work with children to help them develop motor skills, improve mobility, and manage chronic conditions. This role requires a strong understanding of child development, pediatric anatomy, and pediatric physical therapy principles.

• Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working with children, and knowledge of pediatric physical therapy principles

Benefits of PTAs in Pediatric Care

• Opportunity to work with children and help them develop essential motor skills
• Chance to develop expertise in pediatric-specific conditions and treatments
• Potential to work in pediatric hospitals, clinics, or schools

4. Physical Therapist Assistant in Occupational Health

PTAs working in occupational health work with employees to prevent, diagnose, and treat work-related injuries. This role requires a strong understanding of ergonomics, workplace safety, and occupational health principles.

• Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working in occupational health, and knowledge of ergonomics and workplace safety principles

Benefits of PTAs in Occupational Health

• Opportunity to work with employees to prevent work-related injuries
• Chance to develop expertise in ergonomics and workplace safety
• Potential to work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or healthcare

5. Physical Therapist Assistant in Home Health Care

PTAs working in home health care work with patients in their homes to provide physical therapy services. This role requires a strong understanding of home health care principles, patient education, and family support.

• Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working in home health care, and knowledge of home health care principles

Benefits of PTAs in Home Health Care

• Opportunity to work with patients in their homes and provide personalized care
• Chance to develop expertise in home health care principles and patient education
• Potential to work in home health care agencies or private practices

6. Physical Therapist Assistant in Rehabilitation Centers

PTAs working in rehabilitation centers work with patients to help them recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. This role requires a strong understanding of rehabilitation principles, patient education, and family support.

• Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working in rehabilitation centers, and knowledge of rehabilitation principles

Benefits of PTAs in Rehabilitation Centers

• Opportunity to work with patients to help them recover from injuries or illnesses
• Chance to develop expertise in rehabilitation principles and patient education
• Potential to work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or clinics

7. Physical Therapist Assistant in Skilled Nursing Facilities

PTAs working in skilled nursing facilities work with patients to provide physical therapy services and help them recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. This role requires a strong understanding of skilled nursing facility principles, patient education, and family support.

• Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working in skilled nursing facilities, and knowledge of skilled nursing facility principles

Benefits of PTAs in Skilled Nursing Facilities

• Opportunity to work with patients to provide physical therapy services and help them recover
• Chance to develop expertise in skilled nursing facility principles and patient education
• Potential to work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or clinics

8. Physical Therapist Assistant in Research and Education

PTAs working in research and education work with physical therapists, researchers, and educators to develop new treatments, educate students, and conduct research studies. This role requires a strong understanding of research principles, educational methods, and physical therapy principles.

• Median salary: $70,000 - $90,000 per year
• Required skills: Physical therapist assistant certification, experience working in research and education, and knowledge of research principles and educational methods

Benefits of PTAs in Research and Education

• Opportunity to work with researchers and educators to develop new treatments and educate students
• Chance to develop expertise in research principles and educational methods
• Potential to work in universities, research institutions, or hospitals

Gallery of Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs Image Gallery

Conclusion

Physical therapist assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working under the supervision of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. While many PTAs work in traditional settings such as hospitals and clinics, there are numerous high-paying job opportunities available in various industries. By exploring these eight high-paying jobs for physical therapist assistants, individuals can gain a better understanding of the career options available and the skills required to succeed in these roles.