PTA salaries nationwide

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

I'm not a PTA yet, so I can't answer your questions. But I really had many questions about the profession and the study of PTA. Would it be possible if I interview you via email or chat? I'm starting PTA school in 2 weeks and I'm so excited and scared.

Regards,
Ashraf

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

hi im a pta in toronto canada and our salary starts at $14.00 per hr working @ a private clinic, im planning to move to new york and i need some information regarding the state exam, my email is jonny36_2000@hotmail.com first name paul r.

thanh you so much for your response

I just moved down to the states from Canada with 1+year of experience and my company started me at $28.77/hour.

making 32.50/hour for outpatient is A LOT. outpatients generally make the least money and SNF make the most.

Aphex in Falls Church, Virginia said: I'm not a PTA yet, so I can't answer your questions. But I really had many questions about the profession and the study of PTA. Would it be possible if I interview you via email or chat? I'm starting PTA school in 2 weeks and I'm so excited and scared.

Regards,
Ashraf

I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. Please email your questions to nscpta@netzero.com and i'll gladly answer any questions you might have.

Hi, I live in the Buffalo area and graduated 13 years ago. I am good at my job, well liked, and make just under 20/hr now. Pitiful, in my opinion. My concern is that the national boards were not required then and if I move out of this state all other states will require it(I think). I've been in outpatient ortho the whole time and wouldn't remember a thing about neuro or peds for example. Any opinions?

I've been a LPTA for 13yrs, and working in SNF I make $36.50 which is extremely well for an Asst.

Hi... Im lookin to change career and one of my dream job would physical therapist and of course I would like to start with pta.
I would like to Know how to get started and what advice anyone can give me.

dinajordan in Bronx, New York said: Hi... Im lookin to change career and one of my dream job would physical therapist and of course I would like to start with pta.
I would like to Know how to get started and what advice anyone can give me.

If you want to be a PT then i advise that u go for PT. There are no bridge programs from PTA to PT in New YOrk. There are currently only two such programs nationwide. I've been a PTA for eleven years and if i can do it over again, i would definitely be a PT right now.

in the state hospital california an assistant makes more than a PT and the PT makes around 12,000 a month! no lies..my uncle is PTA and is making more then the PT :)

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

Not in the Mid-West. After 5 years in outpatient and 8 overall I make under $20 still(OP). Even with an ATC only about $1.75 more in the 5 year time frame.

$32.50/ hour as a PTA in an OP clinic with no debt isn't bad considering you could very well be making that same amount as a DPT with 150k debt. That is what a lot of PTs/DPTs are making an hour. <<in response to the PTA or DPT comments.

If an employer offers you a low salary what are you supposed to say? can you say you want more money or just say I cant take it? would that be rude?

Some of what you say depends on how you feel about the company and how bad you want to work there. If you still want to work there, keep the conversation going and help them improve the offer. The first thing you say is something nice about the company, why you want to work for them and why you think you'd be a good fit for the job. Then you ask if there's any flexibility to the offer, ideally backed up with information you have learned from what other similar jobs in the area are paying. Remember, if they made you an offer, they are interested in you. They might be willing to pay more to get you.

Joe in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: I make $40.00 per visit for home health, plus .40 cents per mile. I have been a PTA for 3 years, and work exclusively in this setting.

Does anyone else work in home health? If so how do our wages compare?

Thanks

I float into home health and make $38 a visit with .52 mileage reimbursement. This is the same for two agencies I work for (one local and one nationwide) with a lower gas reimbursement for the local company. I have 5 years experience. I work full time at a hospital based outpatient facility and make 27.50/hr. The PT's start out at around 26-27/hr.

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

Not sure about NY wages and cost of living but generally if you are outpatient making over 25/hr you are doing well. that is a midwest opinion. certainly insurance premiums need to be considered for total wage earned. usually nursing homes and homehealth provide a better income in the rural areas.

Well,i'm a PT looking for a PTA to work with me in MD Maryland...Presently we have 2 out/patient clincs and we are willing to offer between 35-40$ per hour Feel free to drop me a line jerrybam1@gmail.com

StarrH in Lockport, New York said: Hi, I live in the Buffalo area and graduated 13 years ago. I am good at my job, well liked, and make just under 20/hr now. Pitiful, in my opinion. My concern is that the national boards were not required then and if I move out of this state all other states will require it(I think). I've been in outpatient ortho the whole time and wouldn't remember a thing about neuro or peds for example. Any opinions?

I am in the same boat, anyone know the answer

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

I have 12 years experience, and work in a SNF making $27/hr. So I think that you are doing well.

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: If you want to be a PT then i advise that u go for PT. There are no bridge programs from PTA to PT in New YOrk. There are currently only two such programs nationwide. I've been a PTA for eleven years and if i can do it over again, i would definitely be a PT right now.

I agree.

StarrH in Lockport, New York said: Hi, I live in the Buffalo area and graduated 13 years ago. I am good at my job, well liked, and make just under 20/hr now. Pitiful, in my opinion. My concern is that the national boards were not required then and if I move out of this state all other states will require it(I think). I've been in outpatient ortho the whole time and wouldn't remember a thing about neuro or peds for example. Any opinions?

I think you would do fine, if you just review some basic neuro concepts, and peds developmental milestones. I took my national exam after being out for 8 years and working in outpatient ortho, did fine and passed the exam the first time. You can do it, give yourself a few weeks to review in a relaxed manner, don't review what you already know. The exam is timed and computerized, it's not hard, it's multiple choice.
Good Luck!

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: Hi, I've been working as a PTA for 11 years and i'm currently making $32.50/hr working in an outpatient physical therapy office with minimal benefits( health insurance with a very high co-pay). I wonder, how much is everybody else making? Am i making too much or too little? Where are the better paying jobs? I want nationwide inputs from all the PTAs!!!

Vanessa, that is VERY good money...especially if you still have your job in the middle of this recession. I know people with Bachelors that don't make that much. You're making an EXCELLENT wage.

You mentioned that there aren't any PTA-PT schools in NY. Are you unable to go back for PT, then? I'm asking because I'm actually looking to make the switch from Nursing and go into OT or PT. I'm eying LaGuardia CUNY's OT and PT programs, but don't want to make the 2 year commitment if I will be unable to go on for my Bachelors/Masters. I also heard that PT requires a Doctorates now.

Anyone have any advice? I'm in NYC.

i am currently going to school to become a pta, my stepmom started making $40 an hour n just got her yrly raise to $50 an hour in a snf!!

Wow Damy, that's AWESOME! :) However, can I ask if she's making that much as a PTA or an actual Physical Therapist? Also, what part of the country pays like this? :-)

I would love to also speak to you more about your GPA upon being accepted into the PTA program. What was your overall GPA and what was your pre-req GPA? I'm in NYC and dying to get OUT of Nursing.

Hi again, I also wanted to ask if there is a demand for PTAs and if any of you are unemployed or having trouble finding work?

I spoke to someone who said if I take the PTA route, and then get my Bachelors and apply to DPT program, that it's going to cost me an extra 2-4 years of college. Thing is, from what I have seen, there's not a huge difference in pay from a PTA to a PT...correct me if I'm wrong..I'm seeing an 8-15k difference in PTA/PT yearly salary..and for that, I don't mind taking my sweet time earning a DPT.

I just want to know, before I go into the PTA program, if there actually even is a market. I'm already an LPN and can't stand the catty field of nursing, abuse, and harassment..although I love the actual work. I have my eyes set on PTA...with a passion! More people are trying to get into the OTA program, where I'm at..but for some reason I'm leaning toward PTA...seems like OTAs have more positions open, though...feedback????advise???

Joe in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Does anyone else work in home health? If so how do our wages compare?

Thanks

Joe,
How many visits per day do you average? 7-8 or more?

Kevin

I average 8 per day. I have made as many as 10 per day, but my sanity was worth more than the money. 9-10 pts per day caused me a day of anxiety. It is nearly impossible for me to stay on time with too many pts. I prefer a pt. count in the 6-8 range per day.

How about you?

What State Hospital in CA. It MUST be with an agency the wages with the STATE start at $10.00 an hour!

$280 per day is a good day. Keeping that average all year makes over $72,000. However, there has to be down months in home health right? Are there a few months that run a little lean?

Kevin

Kevin,

I am PRN, so the only down time I have had is when a company hired a full time PTA. I recovered within about three weeks, and had a full pt. load again. I think the secret is to try and work for several different companies at once. It is similar to investing in a mutual fund. When one stock is down the other can bring you up. This has worked for me. I have not noticed a trend, of any one month being any slower than another.

Joe in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Kevin,

I am PRN, so the only down time I have had is when a company hired a full time PTA. I recovered within about three weeks, and had a full pt. load again. I think the secret is to try and work for several different companies at once. It is similar to investing in a mutual fund. When one stock is down the other can bring you up. This has worked for me. I have not noticed a trend, of any one month being any slower than another.

AS a PRN you haven't received any real lulls in the months. Do you think that applies to the PTAs also?

Kevin

Is anyone from Iowa? What does a traveling PTA make?

here in central florida you can expect 90% of the starting salaries for new grads are offering over 30 plus an hr.

PTAmaster in Gainesville, Florida said: here in central florida you can expect 90% of the starting salaries for new grads are offering over 30 plus an hr.

Which company do you work for? What type of company is it, e.g. SNF, Acute inpatient Hospital, outpatient clinic, Manor, Rehab center, HomeHealth, Travel PTA? I live in South Florida and I don't know anyone starting out anywhere near that in Miami-Dade county or Broward County. That seems very high for a starting rate with zero experience, even for Florida. Thanks for you input.

Vanessa in Brooklyn, New York said: If you want to be a PT then i advise that u go for PT. There are no bridge programs from PTA to PT in New YOrk. There are currently only two such programs nationwide. I've been a PTA for eleven years and if i can do it over again, i would definitely be a PT right now.

Can you tell me what those two programs for PTA to PT are? Thanks! Darla K in Iowa

Kevin E in Visalia, California said: AS a PRN you haven't received any real lulls in the months. Do you think that applies to the PTAs also?

Kevin

Kevin,

I work PRN (as needed). I am a PTA. Hope that clears things up.

Joe

can someone please briefly elaborate the difference between an OTA and a PTA and which one is more beneficial to society today(salary,job offerings, workfields, etc)

and what is the difference between an LPTA (licensed) between a certified physiotherapist assistant ?

I own a therapy company near Dallas Texas and my lowest paid PTA is 48 per hour. We do SNF, home health & outpatient. Anyone interested in this area of Texas, email. I always have openings.
Jeanna@legacycorporate.com

Vanessa/Jeanna,

Do you have a business website for your company? What area near Dallas do your PTAs work in? How many employees/PTAs do you have? How long has your company been around? Thanks!

Darla in Sumner, Iowa said: Can you tell me what those two programs for PTA to PT are? Thanks! Darla K in Iowa

Darla, Did you ever get an answer to this question ?
Barbara M from Iowa

Are their any P.T.A from Iowa on this forum?

StarrH in Lockport, New York said: Hi, I live in the Buffalo area and graduated 13 years ago. I am good at my job, well liked, and make just under 20/hr now. ANS: GEt into home health PT, you will do fine, the patients are easier,and pay is good, 30-40/hr,or visit, just hard toget 40 hrs ina wk.

NURSE2PTA in Jackson Heights, New York said: Hi again, I also wanted to ask if there is a demand for PTAs and if any of you are unemployed or having trouble finding work?

I spoke to someone who said if I take the PTA route, and then get my Bachelors and apply to DPT program, that it's going to cost me an extra 2-4 years of college. Thing is, from what I have seen, there's not a huge difference in pay from a PTA to a PT...correct me if I'm wrong..I'm seeing an 8-15k difference in PTA/PT yearly salary..and for that, I don't mind taking my sweet time earning a DPT.

I just want to know, before I go into the PTA program, if there actually even is a market. I'm already an LPN and can't stand the catty field of nursing, abuse, and harassment..although I love the actual work. I have my eyes set on PTA...with a passion! More people are trying to get into the OTA program, where I'm at..but for some reason I'm leaning toward PTA...seems like OTAs have more positions open, though...feedback????advise???

Im thinking about getting into the PTA feild and in Florida it's booming I guess it's because this is retirement central.

DavidT in Berwyn, Illinois said: I just moved down to the states from Canada with 1+year of experience and my company started me at $28.77/hour.

making 32.50/hour for outpatient is A LOT. outpatients generally make the least money and SNF make the most.

You have only had one year of experience and are already making 32.50/ hour??

christine in Milton, Ontario said: can someone please briefly elaborate the difference between an OTA and a PTA and which one is more beneficial to society today(salary,job offerings, workfields, etc)

and what is the difference between an LPTA (licensed) between a certified physiotherapist assistant ?

OTA works on fine motor skills with ADL's.ie: dressing, bathing, tieing shoes, cooking, memory skills, etc. Physical therapy works on gross motor skills strength, balance, endurance, range of motion etc. both are always needed. Im a PTA

An OTA teaches someone how to wipe their ass. A PTA teaches them how to walk away from the smell of their poop.

I NEED HELP! I live in Ga. I work at a manufacturing company doing a production based job making $39-$40k a year. Its a good job but being a production job the older I get, the slower i'll get and the less money i'll make. Not to mention with the economy the way it is manufacturing isn't looking promising long term, so I decided to go back to school to be a PTA. I've done a lot of online research about ptas and decided the job sounded perfect for me. The problem is initially I was under the impression a PTA started out making $36-$40k a year, but after reading some of the forums it seems like this may not be the case. This is a huge risk for me because I have a wife and a new son to support and I wont be able to keep the full time job I have now while i'm in the program due to the distance of the commute i'll have to make and class times. I need to know the risk is gonna be worth the reward. If theres any PTs or PTAs from Ga that can give me some clue of what the average starting salary for a PTA is I would really appreciate it. Classes start in a week so I need to know A.S.A.P. Thanks.

Look at these links for a PTA in Georgia

This is a link to salarys for PTA's. Shows bottom 10% of PTA's making $36k, I think we can assume these are new PTA's

swz.salary.com/salarywizard/Licensed-Physical-Therapist-Assistant-Salary-Details-Atlanta,%20GA.aspx

This is a link for PTA's in nursing homes. Shows that the bottom 10% make $45k

swz.salary.com/salarywizard/Licensed-Physical-Therapist-Asst-Nursing-Home-Salary-Details-Atlanta,%20GA.aspx

I know that you realize that this job is not about the money, even though it is good. Have you completed any observation hours in various settings, ie. hospital, home health, outpatient, nursing homes? You may want to try this prior to deciding on this career path. Another thought, speak with the school you are thinking of attending and see who they use for clinical sites. You may be able to get a job at one of these sites as a PT aid. This would also allow you to use a school prefered clinical site as a reference for the program. Most PTA programs are very competitive to get in to and this may serve you in several ways.

Good luck,
Joe

avidangler in Dublin, Georgia said: I NEED HELP! I live in Ga. I work at a manufacturing company doing a production based job making $39-$40k a year. Its a good job but being a production job the older I get, the slower i'll get and the less money i'll make. Not to mention with the economy the way it is manufacturing isn't looking promising long term, so I decided to go back to school to be a PTA. I've done a lot of online research about ptas and decided the job sounded perfect for me. The problem is initially I was under the impression a PTA started out making $36-$40k a year, but after reading some of the forums it seems like this may not be the case. This is a huge risk for me because I have a wife and a new son to support and I wont be able to keep the full time job I have now while i'm in the program due to the distance of the commute i'll have to make and class times. I need to know the risk is gonna be worth the reward. If theres any PTs or PTAs from Ga that can give me some clue of what the average starting salary for a PTA is I would really appreciate it. Classes start in a week so I need to know A.S.A.P. Thanks.

I graduated in 2008, offers ranged from 21-25/ hr due to no experience, PRNs ranged from 33-35/hr, home health ranges 40-45/ visit. Now I make over 30/hr (with reduced benefits) or 28/hr ( if i opted for full benefits. You will definitely make 40-45K a year once you learn how to maneuver the system. However note that there are medicare changes coming down the pipeline, some have already been implemented and we are unsure exactly how therapy salaries will be affected. Good Luck with school.