Back to the national Physical Therapist Assistant profile

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

Allied healthcare

Utah employs 970 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $61,980 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Utah (May 2025)

Utah median pay: $61,980 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,190
Experienced (75th percentile): $71,380
Top earners (90th percentile): $84,000
Employed in Utah: 970
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

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

Salt Lake City: $64,990 (310 employed)
Logan: $63,120 (40 employed)
Provo: $61,320 (190 employed)
Ogden: $60,880 (210 employed)
St. George: $60,350 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Utah

Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,980 median stretches to roughly $62,669 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Utah (2024–2034)

Utah is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +49.4%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Utah License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

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

Official requirements: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) →

Training in Utah

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 Utah include:

Eagle Gate College-Murray — Associate
Ensign College — Associate
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences — Associate
Provo College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Utah

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

Select Rehabilitation LLC — Holladay
Sunshine Terrace Wellness Center — Logan
Ihc Rehab Agency — Salt Lake City
Mountain Land Rehab Agency — Salt Lake City
St Joseph Villa — Salt Lake City
Provo Rehabilitation and Nursing — Provo

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 Utah?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Utah is $61,980 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,190, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $84,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.

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

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

Which Utah metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Utah metro areas, Salt Lake City leads at $64,990, followed by Logan ($63,120), Provo ($61,320). 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 Utah?

Real Utah options include Eagle Gate College-Murray, Ensign College, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. 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 Utah?

Utah projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +49.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (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 Utah wages · Utah 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.