SOC 31-2021
Physical Therapist Assistants
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ33/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ108,010
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$66K
$46K โ $88K
Projected Growth
๐+22%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค41/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Physical Therapist Assistants face a risk score of 33/100 โ 11 points below the national average of 44. With only 41/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $66K ($19K above the national median). 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 33/100, Physical Therapist Assistants faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated patient scheduling and intake systems are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 108,010 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort and adapting to individual patient emotional needs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Physical Therapist Assistants?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated patient scheduling and intake systems
AI-driven vital sign monitoring and alerting
Robotic assistance in patient mobility and care
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Compassionate hands-on patient care and comfort
Adapting to individual patient emotional needs
Physical repositioning and mobility assistance
Building rapport with patients and families
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
Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
Document patient information, such as notes on their progress.
Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
Instruct patients in proper body mechanics and in ways to improve functional mobility, such as aquatic exercise.
Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
๐ป Technology Skills
Accounting software
Medical software
Data base user interface and query software
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Therapy and Counseling
English Language
Education and Training
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentists, All Other Specialists | 13 | $226K | 50% |
| Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides | 23 | $62K | 70% |
| Social Workers, All Other | 22 | $69K | 67% |