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Physical Therapist Assistant in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Georgia employs 2,620 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $72,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Georgia (May 2025)

Georgia median pay: $72,800 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $43,400
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,150
Top earners (90th percentile): $89,600
Employed in Georgia: 2,620
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Georgia markets:

Atlanta metro: $74,730 (1,370 employed)
Macon: $68,070 (50 employed)
Savannah: $63,600 (70 employed)
Augusta: $62,510 (150 employed)
Columbus: $62,410 (100 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia

Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,800 median stretches to roughly $75,597 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)

Georgia is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +29.4%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 460 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Georgia License and Certification Requirements

Physical Therapist Assistant license — regulated by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (~2 years).
Pass the NPTE-PTA national exam plus Georgia's jurisprudence exam.
Apply through the State Board of Physical Therapy.

Official requirements: Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy →

Training in Georgia

Georgia technical colleges and state colleges run CAPTE programs across the state. Atlanta's sprawl means outpatient clinics everywhere; rural Georgia clinics frequently offer incentives.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:

Albany State University — Associate
Albany Technical College — Associate
Athens Technical College — Associate
Atlanta Technical College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Georgia

Real Georgia outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:

Education Playstation, Inc — Adairsville
Healthpro Heritage Rehab & Fitness, LLC — Alpharetta
North Fulton Physical Therapy & Sports Med — Alpharetta
Sundance Georgia Rehabilitation Agency — Athens
Ability Rehab — Atlanta
Advanced Therapy Group — Atlanta

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 Georgia?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Georgia is $72,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,400, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,600. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Georgia?

Physical Therapist Assistant license, overseen by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy. Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (~2 years).

Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Georgia?

Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

Which Georgia metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $74,730, followed by Macon ($68,070), Savannah ($63,600). 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 Georgia?

Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College. 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 Georgia?

Georgia projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +29.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 460 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia 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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.