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Physical Therapist Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Physical Therapist Assistants

Median Salary
$67,076
Average (Mean)
$66,841
Employed Nationwide
112,400
VS

Psychiatric Aides

Median Salary
$43,271
Average (Mean)
$44,310
Employed Nationwide
33,860
Physical Therapist Assistants earns $23,804 more (55.0%)
Physical Therapist Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Physical Therapist AssistantsPhysical Therapist AssistantsPhysical Therapist Assistants: $67,076$67,076Psychiatric AidesPsychiatric AidesPsychiatric Aides: $43,272$43,272

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $67,076 $43,271
Average (Mean) Salary $66,841 $44,310
Total Employment 112,400 33,860
States with Higher Pay 39 0

Salary by State: Physical Therapist Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Physical Therapist Assistants pays more in 39 states; Psychiatric Aides pays more in 0.

State Physical Therapist Assistants Psychiatric Aides Difference
Alabama $61,430
$27,150
+$34,280
Alaska $77,640
$49,300
+$28,340
Arkansas $64,520
$36,270
+$28,250
California $83,110
$47,500
+$35,610
Colorado $64,810
$46,130
+$18,680
Connecticut $75,880
$44,660
+$31,220
Florida $72,530
$37,930
+$34,600
Georgia $72,800
$36,790
+$36,010
Hawaii $67,510
$52,310
+$15,200
Illinois $65,240
$48,670
+$16,570
Indiana $65,280
$44,860
+$20,420
Iowa $61,030
$39,260
+$21,770
Kansas $64,500
$38,390
+$26,110
Kentucky $61,480
$38,610
+$22,870
Louisiana $65,370
$30,030
+$35,340
Maine $66,250
$46,720
+$19,530
Maryland $77,670
$51,440
+$26,230
Massachusetts $79,460
$45,300
+$34,160
Michigan $61,670
$45,800
+$15,870
Minnesota $66,770
$55,040
+$11,730
Mississippi $61,770
$30,510
+$31,260
Missouri $63,770
$39,840
+$23,930
Montana $62,650
$46,340
+$16,310
Nevada $75,520
$51,400
+$24,120
New Jersey $78,440
$45,780
+$32,660
New York $64,100
$50,220
+$13,880
North Carolina $67,540
$38,400
+$29,140
Ohio $63,820
$38,480
+$25,340
Oklahoma $59,480
$44,960
+$14,520
Oregon $73,180
$48,300
+$24,880
Pennsylvania $62,580
$44,790
+$17,790
Rhode Island $68,640
$51,100
+$17,540
South Carolina $70,500
$36,320
+$34,180
Texas $78,000
$42,560
+$35,440
Utah $61,980
$40,810
+$21,170
Vermont $71,600
$47,860
+$23,740
Virginia $73,760
$37,280
+$36,480
Washington $66,450
$52,570
+$13,880
West Virginia $60,430
$37,910
+$22,520

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Physical Therapist Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Physical Therapist Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
On average across all states, a Physical Therapist Assistants earns more than a Psychiatric Aides. The national median salary difference is $23,804 (55.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides?
The national median salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants is $67,076 per year, compared to $43,271 for a Psychiatric Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Physical Therapist Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
There are more people employed as Physical Therapist Assistants. BLS reports approximately 112,400 Physical Therapist Assistants positions and 33,860 Psychiatric Aides positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Physical Therapist Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
Both Physical Therapist Assistants and Psychiatric Aides are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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