Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Physical Therapist Assistant Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist assistant in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist Assistant in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
This occupation requires a Wisconsin license granted by the affiliated credentialing board.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,890 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 5. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $61,890, Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin earn 6% below the national median of $65,510. Wisconsin ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$61,890Hourly estimate
$29.756% below national median
Difference: -$3,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysical Therapist Assistant Salary Ranking
#34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $61,890 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,240 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $60,720 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,630 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $59,510 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Illinois | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Michigan | 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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $74,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist Assistant licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin is $61,890. Salaries range from $47,720 (10th percentile) to $76,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Physical Therapist Assistant salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Physical Therapist Assistants in Wisconsin earn 6% below the national median of $65,510, with a state median of $61,890.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 2,000 Physical Therapist Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist Assistant 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 Assistants in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Physical Therapist Assistant license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.