Physical Therapist Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Physical Therapist Assistantss out-earn Nursing Assistantss by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapist Assistantss land at $68,380 and Nursing Assistantss at $42,260. The education gap is real: physical therapist assistant programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Physical Therapist Assistantss is California ($83,110); for Nursing Assistantss it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physical Therapist Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physical Therapist Assistantss or Nursing Assistantss?
Physical Therapist Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $68,380 for Physical Therapist Assistantss versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapist Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Physical Therapist Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Physical Therapist Assistants typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Physical Therapist Assistantss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physical Therapist Assistantss at $83,110/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physical Therapist Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Physical Therapist Assistantss earn $83,110 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.