Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Michigan

Michigan PT Tech Job Market

Michigan offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -8% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

2,380+ PT Tech positions open annually across Michigan. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$32,480 average salary, -8% vs national vs national. Metro Michigan pays even higher—up to $42,200 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Michigan Medicine and other leading healthcare facilities across Michigan.

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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 Michigan

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Spectrum Health alone has 100+ MI locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Michigan 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 Henry Ford 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 Michigan

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

Michigan Medicine

#5 Ranked

Ann Arbor

#5 ranked hospital nationally

734-936-4000 View Jobs →

Beaumont Health

Michigan's Largest

Metro Detroit

SE Michigan's largest

248-898-5000 View Jobs →

Henry Ford Health

Regional Provider

Detroit

Major Detroit system

313-916-1777 View Jobs →

Spectrum Health

Growing Network

Grand Rapids

West Michigan leader

616-391-9000 View Jobs →

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation

Top Ranked

Grand Rapids

Top 10 ranked rehab

616-840-8000 View Jobs →

Corewell Health

Rural Michigan

Rural areas

Michigan's largest health system

866-501-3627 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Michigan

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

Metro Michigan

Major metro areas

$37K-$40K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Michigan

Suburban counties

$32K-$37K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Michigan

Central regions

$29K-$34K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Michigan

Rural areas

$27K-$30K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Michigan pays highest, Rural Michigan'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 Michigan

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Michigan'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 Michigan Medicine.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Michigan Medicine, Beaumont Health, and Henry Ford Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend MI 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 Michigan 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 Michigan?

PT Techs in Michigan 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 Michigan?

Major PT Tech employers in Michigan include Michigan Medicine (#4 ranked nationally), Beaumont Health (MI's largest system), Henry Ford Health, Spectrum Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, and Corewell Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Michigan?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Michigan earn an average of $32,480 per year (-8% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $23,100, experienced PT Techs earn $37,700+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $42,200+. Metro Michigan generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Michigan 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 Michigan?

Michigan 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 Michigan Medicine and major health systems.