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Verified by WI Board of Healthcare

Physical Therapist Aides Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist aides in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: 2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified nursing homes, intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation (ICFs/MR), hospitals, home health agencies or hospices

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Dept of Health Services • Division of Public Health

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $35,700 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #16 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Aides licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Dept of Health Services~Division of Public Health and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $35,700, Physical Therapist Aidess in Wisconsin earn 3% above the national median of $34,520. Wisconsin ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$35,700

Hourly estimate

$17.16
3% above national median

Difference: +$1,180

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$27,730
  • P2525th percentile$29,900
  • P50Median$35,700
  • P7575th percentile$41,790
  • P9090th percentile$47,480

State vs National Median

State: $35,700
National: $34,520

Total employment: 670 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Aides Salary Ranking

#16 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
Wisconsin$35,700Specific course requiredThird-party exam required2 years
Minnesota$44,340Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$36,440Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$34,790Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$30,160Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries 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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-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

WI Dept of Health Services • Division of Public Health

1 W. Wilson Street, P.O. Box 2659, Madison, WI, 53701-2659

Phone: 6082668018

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FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Physical Therapist Aidess in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Physical Therapist Aides licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Aides salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Aidess in Wisconsin is $35,700. Salaries range from $27,730 (10th percentile) to $47,480 (90th percentile).

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

Physical Therapist Aidess in Wisconsin earn 3% above the national median of $34,520, with a state median of $35,700.

How many Physical Therapist Aidess work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 670 Physical Therapist Aidess according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is WI Dept of Health Services / Division of Public Health. Review agency details at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/foodmanager.aspx.

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

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