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

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Maine employs 410 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $66,250 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Maine (May 2025)

Maine median pay: $66,250 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $53,440
Experienced (75th percentile): $73,700
Top earners (90th percentile): $80,530
Employed in Maine: 410
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

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

Lewiston: $68,190 (30 employed)
Portland: $67,140 (150 employed)
Bangor: $61,090 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maine

Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,250 median stretches to roughly $68,299 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)

Maine is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +16.5%, slower than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maine License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (OPOR).

Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
Apply to the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (OPOR).

Official requirements: Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (OPOR) →

Training in Maine

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 Maine include:

Beal University — Associate
Central Maine Community College — Associate
Eastern Maine Community College — Associate
Kennebec Valley Community College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Maine

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

Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy — Auburn
Saco Bay Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy — Bangor
Maine Center for Integrated Rehabilition — Brewer
Preferred Therapy Outpatient Services of ME, LLC — Brunswick
Riverview Physical Therapy Limited Partnership — Yarmouth
Barron Center — Portland

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 Maine?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Maine is $66,250 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $53,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (OPOR). Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.

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

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

Which Maine metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Maine metro areas, Lewiston leads at $68,190, followed by Portland ($67,140), Bangor ($61,090). 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 Maine?

Real Maine options include Beal University, Central Maine Community College, Eastern Maine Community 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 Maine?

Maine projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +16.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (OPOR) (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 Maine wages · Maine 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.