Physical Therapist Assistant in Arizona: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arizona employs 2,010 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $64,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arizona licensing picture, and where to train.
What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Arizona (May 2025)
- Arizona median pay
- $64,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,160
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,620
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,570
- Employed in Arizona
- 2,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $65,510 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Arizona markets:
- Flagstaff
- $73,710 (40 employed)
- Prescott
- $68,330 (60 employed)
- Tucson
- $65,220 (260 employed)
- Phoenix
- $64,720 (1,440 employed)
- Yuma
- $61,610 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arizona
Prices in Arizona run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 100.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,650 median is worth closer to $64,201 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Arizona (2024–2034)
Arizona is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +35.5%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 357 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arizona License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy.
- Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, including clinical rotations in orthopedics, neuro, and other settings).
- Pass the NPTE-PTA (National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs) through FSBPT.
- Apply to the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy for licensure. Renew every two years with 20 CE hours.
Official requirements: Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy →
Training in Arizona
Gateway Community College (Phoenix) and Pima Community College (Tucson) offer CAPTE-accredited PTA programs. Arizona's large retirement and active lifestyle population drives strong outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine demand. Banner Health, Athletico, Select Medical, and Arizona Orthopedic Associates are significant employers.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arizona include:
- Arizona Western College — Associate
- Brookline College-Phoenix — Associate
- Carrington College-Mesa — Associate
- Carrington College-Phoenix North — Associate
Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Arizona
Real Arizona outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:
- Vibrantcare Outpatient Rehabilitation West, Inc. — Casa Grande
- Banner Physical Therapy — Gilbert
- Banner Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Glendale
- Banner Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Kingman
- Banner Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Mesa
- Banner Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Payson
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.
Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.
Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
First Steps
Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Arizona?
The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Arizona is $64,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,570. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arizona?
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy. Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, including clinical rotations in orthopedics, neuro, and other settings).
Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Arizona?
Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
Which Arizona metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?
Among Arizona metro areas, Flagstaff leads at $73,710, followed by Prescott ($68,330), Tucson ($65,220). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Arizona?
Real Arizona options include Arizona Western College, Brookline College-Phoenix, Carrington College-Mesa. Most physical therapist assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Arizona?
Arizona projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +35.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 357 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arizona statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arizona wages · Arizona licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.