Physical Therapist Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistants out-earn Physical Therapist Aides by $7K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapist Aides land at $35,240 and Nursing Assistants at $42,260. The education gap is real: physical therapist aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Physical Therapist Aides is Alaska ($55,760); for Nursing Assistants it's Oregon ($49,830).
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 Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $35,240 for Physical Therapist Aides versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $7K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapist Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Physical Therapist Aides has the better 10-year outlook at 2.8% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physical Therapist Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Physical Therapist Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. 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. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Alaska, Physical Therapist Aides earn $55,760 vs. $46,370 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.