SOC 31-2022
Physical Therapist Aides
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ54/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ44,010
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$35K
$25K โ $47K
Projected Growth
๐+2.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค45/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Physical Therapist Aides face a risk score of 54/100 โ 10 points above the national average of 44. With only 45/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $35K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 54/100, Physical Therapist Aides faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like telehealth reducing in-person support staffing needs are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 44,010 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in adapting to individual patient emotional needs and compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Physical Therapist Aides?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Telehealth reducing in-person support staffing needs
Administrative automation of health records management
Robotic assistance in patient mobility and care
AI-driven vital sign monitoring and alerting
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Adapting to individual patient emotional needs
Compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort
Building rapport with patients and families
Physical repositioning and mobility assistance
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
๐ป Technology Skills
Medical software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Computers and Electronics
Therapy and Counseling
Psychology
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides | 23 | $62K | 77% |
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 52% |
| Social Workers, All Other | 22 | $69K | 69% |