Physical Therapist Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Who Earns More?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides out-earn Physical Therapist Aides by $560 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapist Aides land at $35,240 and Home Health and Personal Care Aides at $35,800. The education gap is real: physical therapist aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while home health and personal care aide programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Physical Therapist Aides is Alaska ($55,760); for Home Health and Personal Care Aides it's Washington ($47,730).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physical Therapist Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physical Therapist Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides earn more nationally. The median is $35,240 for Physical Therapist Aides versus $35,800 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides, a difference of $560. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapist Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides has the better 10-year outlook at 17% projected growth, compared to 2.8% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physical Therapist Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Physical Therapist Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Home Health and Personal Care Aides requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Physical Therapist Aides get paid the most?
Alaska is the top-paying state for Physical Therapist Aides at $55,760/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physical Therapist Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Physical Therapist Aides earn $55,760 vs. $39,740 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.