Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Pennsylvania, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: 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 board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,610 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Physical Therapy Board.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 61,610, Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of 65510. Pennsylvania ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$61,610Hourly estimate
$29.626% below national median
Difference: -$3,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 79,410 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 77,780 |
| #3 | Alaska | 76,310 |
| #4 | Texas | 76,250 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 74,780 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $61,610 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $64,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $74,780 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $63,410 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $71,770 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $60,270 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $62,140 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
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 | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Physical Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837134
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania is 61,610. Salaries range from 47100 (10th percentile) to 77460 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of 65510, with a state median of 61,610.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 4410 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapist Assistants 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.