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

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Washington employs 2,150 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $66,450 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $66,450 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $36,610
Experienced (75th percentile): $80,730
Top earners (90th percentile): $93,140
Employed in Washington: 2,150
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

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

Olympia: $74,250 (80 employed)
Tri-Cities: $72,980 (70 employed)
Bellingham: $66,450 (80 employed)
Seattle–Tacoma: $65,450 (1,120 employed)
Spokane: $64,740 (220 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,450 median is worth closer to $62,103 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +23.5%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 400 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Health.

Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, including clinical rotations in orthopedics, neuro, and cardiopulmonary settings).
Pass the NPTE-PTA (National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs) through FSBPT.
Apply to the WA Department of Health for licensure. Renew every two years with 30 CE hours.

Official requirements: Washington State Department of Health →

Training in Washington

Whatcom Community College, Columbia Basin College, and Spokane Falls Community College offer CAPTE-accredited PTA programs. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital systems, and home health agencies in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane are the main employers.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Bates Technical College — Associate
Big Bend Community College — Associate
Centralia College — Associate
Clark College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Washington

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

Select Physical Therapy — Bellevue
Ageility Physical Therapy Solutions at Bremerton — Bremerton
Select Physical Therapy — Des Moines
Cole Pediatric Therapy — Lakewood
Lynden Therapy Specialists — Lynden
Alderwood Pt & Rehab Services — Lynnwood

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 Washington?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Washington is $66,450 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,140. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Washington State Department of Health. Complete a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program (typically 2 years, including clinical rotations in orthopedics, neuro, and cardiopulmonary settings).

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

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

Which Washington metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Olympia leads at $74,250, followed by Tri-Cities ($72,980), Bellingham ($66,450). 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Bates Technical College, Big Bend Community College, Centralia 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 Washington?

Washington projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +23.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 400 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Health (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.