Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by TX Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Texas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Texas, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$76,250 median (16% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
Salary Insights in Texas
With a median salary of 76,250, Physical Therapist Assistants in Texas earn 16% above the national median of 65510. Texas ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,420Median annual salary
$76,250Hourly estimate
$36.6616% above national median
Difference: +$10,740
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $76,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $62,380 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $67,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $61,340 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $59,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | 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.
Official Licensing Agency
Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
1801 Congress Ave, Ste 10.900, Austin, TX, 78701-1319
Phone: 5123056900
Related Careers in Texas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $103,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $87,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $54,840 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $42,270 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Texas?
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 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 30180 (10th percentile) to 95230 (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 65510, with a state median of 76,250.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Texas?
Texas employs approximately 11230 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.
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/.