Physical Therapist Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Physical Therapist Assistants out-earn Nursing Assistants by $26K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapist Assistants land at $68,380 and Nursing Assistants 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 Assistants is California ($83,110); for Nursing Assistants 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 Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Physical Therapist Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $68,380 for Physical Therapist Assistants versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $26K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapist Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Physical Therapist Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 22% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Assistants get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physical Therapist Assistants 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 Assistants earn $83,110 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.