7 High-Paying Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working alongside 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 and settings. In this article, we will explore seven high-paying physical therapist assistant jobs that can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential.

1. Travel Physical Therapist Assistant

Travel physical therapist assistants are in high demand, and this job can be a lucrative option for those who enjoy exploring new places. Travel PTAs work temporary assignments in various locations, often in areas with a high need for physical therapy services. This job requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong clinical skills.

• Median salary: $80,000 - $120,000 per year
• Benefits: Travel opportunities, competitive pay, and bonuses

What to Expect:

• Assignments can range from 13 to 26 weeks
• Opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities
• Possibility of overtime pay and bonuses

2. Physical Therapist Assistant in Sports Medicine

Physical therapist assistants in sports medicine work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. This job requires a strong understanding of sports-specific injuries, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Median salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work with athletes, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Work with athletes in various sports, including football, basketball, and soccer
• Develop and implement rehabilitation programs to help athletes recover from injuries
• Collaborate with coaches, trainers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

3. Physical Therapist Assistant in Pediatric Care

Physical therapist assistants in pediatric care work with children to help them develop and maintain physical skills. This job requires patience, creativity, and a passion for working with children.

• Median salary: $65,000 - $90,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work with children, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Work with children with various conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays
• Develop and implement treatment plans to help children achieve physical milestones
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

4. Physical Therapist Assistant in Geriatric Care

Physical therapist assistants in geriatric care work with older adults to help them maintain physical function and independence. This job requires a strong understanding of age-related conditions, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Median salary: $60,000 - $85,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work with older adults, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Work with older adults with various conditions, including arthritis, stroke, and dementia
• Develop and implement treatment plans to help older adults maintain physical function and independence
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

5. Physical Therapist Assistant in Home Health Care

Physical therapist assistants in home health care work with patients in their homes, providing physical therapy services to help them recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. This job requires flexibility, adaptability, and strong clinical skills.

• Median salary: $65,000 - $90,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work with patients in their homes, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Work with patients with various conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injuries, and joint replacements
• Develop and implement treatment plans to help patients recover and maintain physical function
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

6. Physical Therapist Assistant in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Physical therapist assistants in skilled nursing facilities work with patients who require 24-hour care and rehabilitation. This job requires strong clinical skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Median salary: $60,000 - $85,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work with patients in skilled nursing facilities, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Work with patients with various conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injuries, and joint replacements
• Develop and implement treatment plans to help patients recover and maintain physical function
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

7. Physical Therapist Assistant in Research and Education

Physical therapist assistants in research and education work in academic settings, conducting research and teaching students about physical therapy practices. This job requires a strong understanding of research methods, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Median salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
• Benefits: Opportunity to work in research and education, competitive pay, and potential for bonuses

What to Expect:

• Conduct research studies to improve physical therapy practices and patient outcomes
• Teach students about physical therapy practices and techniques
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement educational programs

In conclusion, these seven high-paying physical therapist assistant jobs offer a range of opportunities for PTAs to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Whether you're interested in working in sports medicine, pediatric care, or research and education, there's a high-paying job out there for you.

What is the average salary for a physical therapist assistant?

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The average salary for a physical therapist assistant varies depending on the location, industry, and level of experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is around $58,000.

What are the highest-paying industries for physical therapist assistants?

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying industries for physical therapist assistants are nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare services.

What are the most in-demand skills for physical therapist assistants?

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The most in-demand skills for physical therapist assistants include strong clinical skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with patients with various conditions and needs.