If you’re considering a career in physical therapy, one of your first questions is probably: How much does a physical therapy aide make?
The answer depends on where you work, your experience, your employer, and whether you work full-time or part-time.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median physical therapy aide salary was $35,240 per year, based on May 2025 wage data. That’s approximately $16.94 per hour for a 40-hour workweek.
Here’s what you should know about physical therapy aide salaries, potential earnings in California, and how to prepare for this healthcare career.
Physical Therapy Aide Salary in 2026: At a Glance
The following figures offer a quick comparison of national and California earnings.
| Salary measure | Reported earnings |
|---|---|
| U.S. median annual salary (BLS, May 2025) | $35,240 |
| U.S. median hourly equivalent | $16.94 |
| U.S. average hourly pay (Indeed, Sep. 2026) | $17.96 |
| California average hourly pay (Indeed, Oct. 2026) | $22.58 |
| Los Angeles average hourly pay (Indeed, Sep. 2026) | $22.42 |
| Los Angeles average annual salary (Salary.com, Oct. 2026) | $41,000 |
The takeaway? Physical therapy aide positions can offer an entry point into healthcare, but wages vary considerably. Reviewing local job listings is essential before estimating what you might earn.
How Much Does a Physical Therapy Aide Make Per Hour, Week, and Month?
Most physical therapy aide positions advertise an hourly rate rather than an annual salary. To understand what that means for your budget, compare how different hourly wages translate into estimated gross earnings.
| Hourly wage | Weekly (40 hours) | Monthly average | Annual (2,080 hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $17 | $680 | $2,947 | $35,360 |
| $19 | $760 | $3,293 | $39,520 |
| $21 | $840 | $3,640 | $43,680 |
| $23 | $920 | $3,987 | $47,840 |
| $25 | $1,000 | $4,333 | $52,000 |
These are illustrative calculations, not guaranteed salary offers. They assume 40 paid hours per week for 52 weeks, before taxes and deductions. Actual earnings may be lower if you work fewer hours or have unpaid time off.
For example, earning $21 per hour while working 30 hours a week would produce approximately $32,760 in annual gross income.
How Much Do Physical Therapy Aides Make in California?
California is an especially relevant market for people exploring physical therapy aide careers.
According to Indeed, physical therapy aides in California earned an average of $22.58 per hour as of October 12, 2026.
That translates to approximately $46,966 annually if someone works 40 paid hours per week for 52 weeks. This is an annualized estimate, not a reported average annual salary.
Physical Therapy Aide Salary in Los Angeles
Indeed reported an average of $22.42 per hour in Los Angeles in September 2026. Meanwhile, Salary.com estimated an average annual salary of approximately $41,000 for Los Angeles as of October 1, 2026.
These figures differ because compensation websites use different methodologies, job-title matching, and datasets.
For someone living in Carson, Long Beach, Torrance, or another South Bay community, local postings may provide a more useful starting point than national averages.
For instance, compare job openings using titles such as Physical Therapy Aide, Rehab Aide, Therapy Technician, and Physical Therapy Clinic Assistant. Read the responsibilities carefully, because similar job titles do not always describe the same position.
What Is the Job Outlook for Physical Therapy Aides?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of physical therapist assistants and aides combined to grow 17% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the projected average for all occupations.
The agency also projects approximately 24,900 annual openings across these two occupations combined, on average, during that decade.
These numbers should not be interpreted as a 17% growth forecast specifically for aides, nor as 24,900 openings exclusively for aides. For prospective students, the practical lesson is to research the demand for their exact target occupation in the location where they intend to work.
Exploring Hands-On Healthcare Training at CHAC
If you’re interested in a career involving physical wellness, patient interaction, and hands-on skills, exploring the right training environment can help you make an informed decision.
California Healing Arts College (CHAC), located in Carson, California, offers a Massage Therapist & Physical Therapy Aide diploma program for students interested in developing practical knowledge in these related fields.
If you are comparing career options, speaking with the admissions team can help you understand the program curriculum, enrollment requirements, costs, and how its training aligns with your goals.
Explore Hands-On Healthcare Training in Carson, CA
Discover the Physical Therapy Aide program at California Healing Arts College and learn about class schedules, practical training, and admissions.