SOC 31-2021
Physical Therapist Assistants
Risk Score
⚠️33/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥108,010
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$66K
$46K – $88K
Projected Growth
📈+22%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖41/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Physical Therapist Assistants face a risk score of 33/100 — 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 →
💡 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 →
🔍 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 →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated patient scheduling and intake systems
AI-driven vital sign monitoring and alerting
Robotic assistance in patient mobility and care
🛡️ 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
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 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% |