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Aquatic Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Welltech Partners

Physical Therapy Assistant

Wayne, NJ

$40 - $50/hr

Hand Therapy in the mornings and Aquatic Therapy in the afternoons. You will be an integral part of our supportive, collaborative team, focused on achieving exceptional patient outcomes in our modern ...

Welltech Partners

Physical Therapy Assistant

Wayne, NJ

$40 - $50/hr

Hand Therapy in the mornings and Aquatic Therapy in the afternoons. You will be an integral part of our supportive, collaborative team, focused on achieving exceptional patient outcomes in our modern ...

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How much do aquatic therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquatic therapy in the United States is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy performed in a pool or other aquatic environment under the supervision of a trained therapist. It uses the unique properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance, to help individuals improve mobility, strength, and flexibility while reducing pain and stress on joints. Aquatic therapy is often used for rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. The supportive nature of water allows patients to perform exercises they may not be able to do on land. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquatic therapist?

To thrive as an Aquatic Therapist, you need a background in physical or occupational therapy, knowledge of human anatomy, and relevant licensure or certification. Familiarity with aquatic therapy techniques, pool safety protocols, and adaptive equipment is essential, along with certifications like CPR and specialized aquatic therapy credentials (e.g., ATRIC). Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and motivational abilities help build rapport with clients and encourage rehabilitation progress. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering effective, safe therapy tailored to individual needs in a unique aquatic environment.

How does an aquatic therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support patient recovery?

Aquatic therapists frequently work as part of a multidisciplinary team, coordinating with physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, and sometimes speech therapists to design comprehensive treatment plans. They participate in regular team meetings to discuss patient progress, share observations from aquatic sessions, and adjust therapy goals as needed. This collaboration ensures that each patient's care is holistic and tailored, supporting smoother transitions between in-water and land-based interventions. Effective communication and documentation are key parts of this collaborative process.

What is the difference between Aquatic Therapy vs Physical Therapist?

AspectAquatic TherapyPhysical Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires certification in aquatic therapy or specialized trainingRequires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentPool or aquatic setting, often in clinics, rehab centers, or gymsHospitals, clinics, private practices, and rehab centers
Industry UsageUsed as a modality within physical therapy or rehabilitation programsProvides comprehensive physical rehabilitation and treatment

While both roles focus on rehabilitation, Aquatic Therapy specializes in using water-based exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain, often as part of a broader physical therapy program. Physical Therapists provide a wide range of treatments, including aquatic therapy, but also work outside water environments to address various physical conditions.

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Aquatic Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquatic Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,784 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Director of Aquatic Therapy

Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy

Garden City, NY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy is a comprehensive multidisciplinary company who offers Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy, Massage and Acupuncture services. We take great pride in inspiring our team to create an everlasting bond with our patients, our doctors, and our community. But it’s not just what we do, it’s who we are. We are driven by our mission to continually invest in our people and offer the best workplace environment possible.

Job Description

Location: This position can be based in either Nassau or Suffolk County, NY, with travel to other locations as needed.

Schedule: Full-time position with a combination of patient care and administrative/program leadership hours.

Metro PT is looking for a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Physical Therapist Assistant with a passion for aquatic therapy to join our team as an Aquatics Director. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead and grow an exceptional aquatic therapy program across the organization while supporting clinicians and teams in delivering high-quality patient care.

The Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing, developing, and helping build our exceptional aquatic therapy program across the organization. This role will serve as a subject-matter expert in aquatic therapy, while also partnering with clinic and regional leadership to ensure our pools are operated safely, effectively, and consistently.

The Aquatics Director will help expand the use of aquatic therapy, educate and support clinicians, and coach Directors and staff on proper pool operations, including water chemistry, equipment, cleanliness, safety, and routine maintenance.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development, growth, and clinical excellence of the organization’s aquatic therapy program.
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert and resource clinical team members utilizing aquatic therapy.
  • Mentor, coach, and educate clinicians and clinic leaders on aquatic therapy best practices and effective treatment strategies.
  • Partner with clinic and regional leadership to ensure aquatic therapy programs are operated safely, effectively, and consistently across locations.
  • Support the expansion and integration of aquatic therapy into patient care through clinician education, program development, and collaboration with leadership.
  • Coach Directors and staff on proper pool operations, including water chemistry, equipment, cleanliness, safety, and routine maintenance.
  • Establish and promote consistent standards and best practices for aquatic therapy and pool operations across the organization.
  • Collaborate with clinical and operational leadership to identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes, program utilization, and the overall aquatic therapy experience.
  • Support the development and implementation of aquatic therapy resources, training, and educational materials for clinical teams.
  • Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based aquatic therapy practices, industry standards, and applicable safety and operational requirements.
  • Provide clinical and operational guidance to teams as they develop or expand aquatic therapy services.
  • Set and achieve professional goals that support continued growth, leadership development, and advancement of the organization’s aquatic therapy program.
Qualifications
  • Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Physical Therapist Assistant Program Graduate.
  • NY License to practice as a PT, OT, or PTA
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience providing aquatic therapy to patients
  • Strong leadership qualities is a must
  • Mandatory Certifications: First Aid, AED, & CPR Certifications

Additional Information

What We Offer!

  • Competitive compensation package
  • 401(k) plan with company matching options
  • Profit Sharing Opportunities 
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • A rich benefits package, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance
  • Full Salaries, Orthopedic Residency Programs available
  • Loan Repayment program- up to $5,000 per year
  • Progressive Leadership Development Programs
  • Up to a $1,000 CEU stipend per year, plus all expenses paid for any speciality certifications towards Schroth, Pelvic Floor, OCS, PCS, NGS or WCS
  • Access to unlimited online CEU’s through our partnership with MedBridge Education
  • New York's 529 College Savings Program
  • Employee Perks: discounted rates for entertainment, travel, fitness, insurance plans, etc. through our partnership with Plum Benefits
  • FSA Plans- pre tax savings plans to pay for unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, travel to & from work
  • Company Events- Annual Family Field Day, Leadership Retreats, and Holiday Awards Celebration
  • And much more!

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $85,000.00-$115,000.00. Salary is based on various factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography. Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and other benefits are also available, subject to the terms of the Company's plan.