Physical Therapist Assistant in District of Columbia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
District of Columbia employs 40 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $63,400 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact District of Columbia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Physical therapist assistants Earn in District of Columbia (May 2025)
- District of Columbia median pay
- $63,400 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,750
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $82,250
- Employed in District of Columbia
- 40
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $65,510 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major District of Columbia markets:
- Washington
- $78,790 (1,340 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in District of Columbia
Prices in District of Columbia run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 109.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,400 median is worth closer to $57,689 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in District of Columbia (2024–2034)
District of Columbia is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +22.5%, about in line with the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 10 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
District of Columbia License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the DC Health — Board of Physical Therapy.
- Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
- Apply to the DC Board of Physical Therapy.
Official requirements: DC Health — Board of Physical Therapy →
Training in District of Columbia
A 2-year associate leads to a well-paid, hands-on clinical role. Verify CAPTE accreditation and NPTE pass rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in District of Columbia include:
- University of the District of Columbia — Associate
Where Physical therapist assistants Work in District of Columbia
Real District of Columbia outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:
- Medstar Nrh Network, Lafayette — Washington
- Novacare Rehabilitation — Washington
- Nrh Rehabilitation Network at K Street — Washington
- Capitol City Rehab and Healthcare Center — Washington
- Deanwood Rehabilitation and Wellness Center — Washington
- Washington Ctr for Aging Svcs — Washington
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 District of Columbia?
The median wage for physical therapist assistants in District of Columbia is $63,400 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $82,250. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in District of Columbia?
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the DC Health — Board of Physical Therapy. Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in District of Columbia?
Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
Which District of Columbia metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?
Among District of Columbia metro areas, Washington leads at $78,790. 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 District of Columbia?
Real District of Columbia options include University of the District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia?
District of Columbia projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +22.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 10 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), District of Columbia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the DC Health — 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 District of Columbia wages · District of Columbia 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.