Physical Therapist Aide Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Physical Therapist Aides in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$30,320
per year
Hourly Rate
$14.58
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $35,240
State Rank
#38 of 50
710 employed here

How much does a Physical Therapist Aide make in Tennessee?

Physical Therapist Aides in Tennessee take home a median of $30,320 annually — roughly $14.58 an hour — which runs 14% below the national median of $35,240.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $21,220 while the top 10% make $42,830 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $25,700 and $35,950 a year.

Physical Therapist Aide salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$21,220$10.20
25th percentile (early career)$25,700$12.36
50th percentile (median)$30,320$14.58
75th percentile (experienced)$35,950$17.28
90th percentile (top earners)$42,830$20.59

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 38th out of 50 states and territories for Physical Therapist Aide pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Alaska$55,760
2Minnesota$42,330
3Colorado$41,970
4New Hampshire$40,460
5Maine$39,660

Working as a Physical Therapist Aide in Tennessee

Nationally, about 48,000 people work as Physical Therapist Aides in the United States. A certificate or diploma program (usually 6 to 18 months) is the typical entry path.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($30,320) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Physical Therapist Aide make in Tennessee?
The median Physical Therapist Aide salary in Tennessee is $30,320 per year, or about $14.58 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $21,220 at the entry level to $42,830 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Physical Therapist Aides about 14% less than the national median of $35,240. Tennessee ranks 38th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Physical Therapist Aides?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $30,320 a year. About 710 Physical Therapist Aides are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Physical Therapist Aide salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.