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

Allied healthcare

Rhode Island employs 420 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $68,640 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Rhode Island median pay: $68,640 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $58,380
Experienced (75th percentile): $73,970
Top earners (90th percentile): $76,990
Employed in Rhode Island: 420
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

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

Providence: $72,150 (630 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island

Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $68,640 median is worth closer to $67,097 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)

Rhode Island is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +18.1%, slower than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Physical Therapy.

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

Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Physical Therapy →

Training in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island include:

Community College of Rhode Island — Associate
New England Institute of Technology — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Rhode Island

Real Rhode Island outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:

Sargent Rehab Center — Warwick
St Antoine Residence — North Smithfield
Berkshire Place — Providence
Coventry Operations RI LLC dba Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI — Coventry
Elmhurst Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — Providence
Lincolnwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center — North Providence

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 Rhode Island?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Rhode Island is $68,640 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $58,380, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Board of Physical Therapy. Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.

Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Rhode Island?

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

Which Rhode Island metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $72,150. 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 Rhode Island?

Real Rhode Island options include Community College of Rhode Island, New England Institute of Technology. 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 Rhode Island?

Rhode Island projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +18.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of 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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.