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Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Texas

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas

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

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $76,250 median (16% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant 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.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $76,250, Physical Therapist Assistants in Texas earn 16% above the national median of $65,510. Texas ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$76,250

Hourly estimate

$36.66
16% above national median

Difference: +$10,740

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$30,180
  • P2525th percentile$60,990
  • P50Median$76,250
  • P7575th percentile$82,710
  • P9090th percentile$95,230

State vs National Median

State: $76,250
National: $65,510

Total employment: 11,230 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,410
#2Massachusetts$77,780
#3Alaska$76,310
#4Texas$76,250
#5New Jersey$74,780

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Texas$76,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$62,380Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$67,230Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Louisiana$61,340Degree requiredState exam required19 years
New Mexico$59,330Degree requiredThird-party 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-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

Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners

1801 Congress Ave, Ste 10.900, Austin, TX, 78701-1319

Phone: 5123056900

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas?

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 Assistants in Texas?

Texas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapist Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Texas is $76,250. Salaries range from $30,180 (10th percentile) to $95,230 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Texas compare to the national average?

Physical Therapist Assistants in Texas earn 16% above the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $76,250.

How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 11,230 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant license to Texas 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 Assistants in Texas?

The licensing agency is Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. Review agency details at https://ptot.texas.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Texas?

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