Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Aides in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The evaluation and treatment of any person by the utilization of the effective, properties of physical measures such as mechanical stimulation, heat, cold, light, air, water, electricity, sound, massage, mobilization and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures including training in functional activities, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of limiting or preventing disability and alleviating or correcting any physical or mental conditions, and the performance of tests and measurements as an aid in diagnosis or evaluating of function.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$36,420 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#8 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Physical Therapy Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $36,420, Physical Therapist Aidess in Pennsylvania earn 6% above the national median of $34,520. Pennsylvania ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$36,420Hourly estimate
$17.516% above national median
Difference: +$1,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking
#8 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Aides median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Minnesota | $44,340 |
| #2 | Alaska | $42,320 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $38,000 |
| #4 | Washington | $37,730 |
| #5 | Colorado | $37,210 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Aides licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $36,420 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $34,970 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 2 years |
| New Jersey | $35,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $29,640 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $31,370 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $29,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $35,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
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| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Aides in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for Physical Therapist Aidess in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Aidess.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Aides in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Pennsylvania is $36,420. Salaries range from $30,420 (10th percentile) to $45,670 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Aides salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Aidess in Pennsylvania earn 6% above the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $36,420.
How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 980 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Aides license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Aidess in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Physical Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/PhysicalTherapy.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Aides license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.