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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

31-2021 Physical Therapist Assistants



Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Southeast Minnesota 9012$30.05/hr$24.42/hr$28.88/hr$30.63/hr$31.69/hr$35.70/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Education and Health Services1,320$30.22/hr
Public AdministrationN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Northeast Balance of State 20$32.42/hrN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 30$29.01/hrN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 30$31.05/hrN/A
Rochester MN MSA 40$31.69/hrN/A
La Crosse WI-MN MSA 60$30.81/hrN/A
St Cloud MN MSA 60$28.86/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 70$25.85/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 70$30.55/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 80$30.67/hr17.6%
Duluth MN-WI MSA 80$30.49/hrN/A
Southeast Minnesota 90$30.63/hr14.0%
Northwest Balance of State 90$30.41/hrN/A
Southwest Balance of State 100$28.51/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 110$30.41/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 110$30.29/hr25.6%
Central Minnesota 160$28.99/hr26.6%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 720$30.04/hr21.9%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 810$30.14/hrN/A
Minnesota 1,320$30.22/hr21.2%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2020-2030
Physical Therapists 4,140$47.82/hr13.8%
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians 4,120$38.73/hr7.1%
Exercise Physiologists 140$30.98/hr11.7%
Occupational Therapy Assistants 640$30.30/hr24.4%
Occupational Therapy Aides N/AN/AN/A
Medical Assistants 11,840$24.23/hr16.1%


  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
  • Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
  • Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
  • Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
  • Clean work area and check and store equipment after treatment.
  • Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
  • Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, or heat, light, sound, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
  • Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
  • Prepare treatment areas and electrotherapy equipment for use by physiotherapists.
  • Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.