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Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in California, including $300 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$300

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Aides in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Fees: Application: $300.

  3. 3

    License: $150.

  4. 4

    National examination: : $485 to the Federation

    • $100 to the Prometric testing center.
  5. 5

    No examination fees are paid to PTBC.

  6. 6

    Examination on California laws & regulations: : $65 to the Federation

    • $29 to the Prometric testing center.
  7. 7

    Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49.

Exam and processing details

  • $485 to the Federation
  • $100 to the Prometric testing center. No examination fees are paid to PTBC. on California laws & regulations: : $65 to the Federation
  • $29 to the Prometric testing center Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49 Frequency: Fixed date testing 4 times a year Locations: Throughout California and most other states. Experience

Continuing education and program notes

  • center
Fee TypeAmount
Application$300
License$150

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $300

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,290 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: $485 to the Federation; $100 to the Prometric testing center. No examination fees are paid to PTBC. on California laws & regulations: : $65 to the Federation; $29 to the Prometr....
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application: $300.; Criminal history background check based on fingerprints: $49.).
  5. 5. Budget filing costs (Application: $300; License: $150).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Physical Therapy Board of California and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $36,290, Physical Therapist Aidess in California earn 5% above the national median of $34,520. California ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$36,290

Hourly estimate

$17.45
5% above national median

Difference: +$1,770

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$33,660
  • P2525th percentile$34,640
  • P50Median$36,290
  • P7575th percentile$40,640
  • P9090th percentile$46,000

State vs National Median

State: $36,290
National: $34,520

Total employment: 6,800 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking

#9 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Aides median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Minnesota$44,340
#2Alaska$42,320
#3Massachusetts$38,000
#4Washington$37,730
#5Colorado$37,210

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Aides licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$36,290Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$35,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$29,430Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$34,910Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Physical Therapy Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2600, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9165618200

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Aides in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in California?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in California is $36,290. Salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $46,000 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Aides salary in California compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Aidess in California earn 5% above the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $36,290.

How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in California?

California employs approximately 6,800 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Aides license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Aidess in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Physical Therapy Board of California. Review agency details at https://www.ptbc.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Aides license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.