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Verified by WA Board of Healthcare

Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Washington, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Aides in Washington

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must have graduated from a nationally accredited, board certified school, must have a passing score on the National Physical Therapy examiniation, must provide a complete work history from receipt of physical therapy degree.

  6. 6

    Individuals must submit application and pay required fee.

Exam and processing details

  • nationally accredited, board certified school, must have a passing score on the National Physical Therapy examiniation, must provide a complete work history from receipt of physical therapy degree

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified school, must have a passing score on the National Physical Therapy examiniation, must provide a complete work history from receipt of physical therapy degree

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $37,730 median (9% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required nationally accredited, board certified school, must have a passing score on the National Physical Therapy examiniation, must provide a complete work history from receipt of phys....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Individuals must submit application and pay required fee.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $37,730, Physical Therapist Aidess in Washington earn 9% above the national median of $34,520. Washington ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$37,730

Hourly estimate

$18.14
9% above national median

Difference: +$3,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,870
  • P2525th percentile$35,420
  • P50Median$37,730
  • P7575th percentile$43,330
  • P9090th percentile$49,980

State vs National Median

State: $37,730
National: $34,520

Total employment: 740 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking

#4 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
Washington$37,730Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Idaho$28,610Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$35,880Varies 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
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review 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 Health

101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501

Phone: 3602364700

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FAQ

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

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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Washington is $37,730. Salaries range from $34,870 (10th percentile) to $49,980 (90th percentile).

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

Physical Therapist Aidess in Washington earn 9% above the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $37,730.

How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 740 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Aides license to Washington 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 Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Health. Review agency details at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.

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

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