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Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

The Physical Therapist Assistant's primary responsibilities include preparing patients and equipment for treatment and assisting the Physical Therapist with selected procedures. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant information

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$18

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$44

How much do freelance physical therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance physical therapy assistant in the United States is $31.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance physical therapy assistant?

Freelance physical therapy assistants are licensed healthcare professionals who work independently or on a contract basis, rather than as full-time employees of a single clinic or hospital. They assist physical therapists in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses, often providing support with exercises, treatments, and patient education. Freelance PTAs may work with multiple clients, clinics, or facilities, offering flexibility in their schedules and types of cases they handle. Their responsibilities are similar to those of employed PTAs, but they often have more autonomy in managing their workload and business operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance physical therapy assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physical therapy principles, an associate degree from an accredited PTA program, and state licensure or certification. Familiarity with physical therapy software, electronic health records (EHRs), and therapeutic exercise equipment is often required. Strong communication, self-motivation, and organization skills are vital for managing patient care and building client relationships independently. These competencies ensure effective therapy outcomes, client satisfaction, and success in a flexible, self-directed work environment.

What are some common challenges freelance physical therapy assistants face when managing their own client schedules?

As a freelance Physical Therapy Assistant, one common challenge is balancing a fluctuating client load while ensuring each patient receives consistent and quality care. Unlike a clinic-based role, freelancers must actively coordinate appointments, handle cancellations or rescheduling, and often travel between client locations. Effective time management and communication are crucial to prevent overlap and maintain a steady workflow. Additionally, freelancers are responsible for their own administrative tasks, such as billing and record-keeping, which adds another layer to daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapist?

AspectFreelance Physical Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapist
CredentialsLicensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) certificationDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentContract-based, outpatient clinics, home health, or telehealthHospitals, clinics, private practices, or hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent or agency-based, often self-employedEmployers, healthcare facilities, hospitals

Freelance Physical Therapy Assistants typically hold PTA certification and work in outpatient or home health settings, often independently or on contract. Physical Therapists have a DPT degree, licensure, and work in broader healthcare environments. The main difference lies in their qualifications, scope of practice, and employment structure.

More about Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs are:
Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Physical Therapy Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,449 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Physical Therapy Assistant

Polaris Physical Therapy

Maspeth, NY • On-site

$31 - $34/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) will help Physical Therapists provide physical therapy treatments and procedures. The PTA may, in accordance with New York State Laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by the physical therapist.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • None

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercise or functional activities. Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provides results to the physical therapist in person or through progress notes
  • Confer with physical therapy staff and others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment. Communicate with and instruct caregivers and family members on patient therapeutic activities and treatment plans
  • Transport patients to and from treatment areas, when required, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements
  • Secure patient onto or into therapy equipment
  • Administer active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, aquatic physical therapy, and heat, light, sound, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound
  • Measures patients range-of-motion, body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations
  • Monitors operation of equipment and records use of equipment and administration of treatment
  • Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches

Required Skills/Abilities

  • Excellent customer service and patient care skills
  • Basic understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology

Education and License Requirements

  • Associate degree or certification from physical therapy program that included course study in anatomy and physiology, and relevant clinical experience
  • MUST be licensed in New York State to practice as a physical therapy assistant

Physical Requirements

  • Fit to stand for prolonged periods of time when required
  • Fit to perform patient lifting, pushing, transferring to/from one area to the other
  • Fit to perform frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching

Job Type

  • Full-time and Part-time

Salary

  • $31.00-34.00 per hour

Benefits

  • 401K
  • Dental insurance
  • Medical insurance
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Paid Time Off
  • CEUs

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