Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Alabama

Alabama PT Tech Job Market

Alabama offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -16% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

850+ PT Tech positions open annually across Alabama. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$29,840 average salary, -16% vs national vs national. Metro Alabama pays even higher—up to $38,800 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to UAB Medicine and other leading healthcare facilities across Alabama.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in Alabama

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Baptist Health alone has 100+ AL locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: UAB Medicine and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and Encompass Health.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in Alabama

Alabama's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

UAB Medicine

Alabama's Largest

Birmingham

State's largest academic medical center, extensive PT services

205-934-4011 View Jobs →

Huntsville Hospital

Alabama's Largest

Huntsville

North Alabama's largest hospital system

256-265-1000 View Jobs →

Encompass Health

Rehab Leader

Birmingham HQ

National rehab leader headquartered in AL

205-967-7116 View Jobs →

Baptist Health

Growing Network

Montgomery

Central Alabama's major health system

334-273-4400 View Jobs →

Mobile Infirmary

Regional System

Mobile

Gulf Coast regional medical center

251-435-2400 View Jobs →

Select Physical Therapy

Rural Alabama

Rural areas

National outpatient PT network

888-331-8311 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Alabama

Salaries vary across Alabama regions. Metro Alabama typically pays highest, while Rural Alabama offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro Alabama

Major metro areas

$34K-$37K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Alabama

Suburban counties

$29K-$34K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Alabama

Central regions

$26K-$31K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Alabama

Rural areas

$25K-$28K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Alabama pays highest, Rural Alabama's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in Alabama

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Alabama's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like UAB Medicine.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. UAB Medicine, Huntsville Hospital, and Encompass Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend AL Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills Alabama employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in Alabama?

PT Techs in Alabama prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in Alabama?

Major PT Tech employers in Alabama include UAB Medicine (#4 ranked nationally), Huntsville Hospital (AL's largest system), Encompass Health, Baptist Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Mobile Infirmary, and Select Physical Therapy. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Alabama?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Alabama earn an average of $29,840 per year (-16% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $21,200, experienced PT Techs earn $34,600+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $38,800+. Metro Alabama generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Alabama PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in Alabama?

Alabama does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like UAB Medicine and major health systems.