Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Missouri

Missouri PT Tech Job Market

Missouri offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -10% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

1,520+ PT Tech positions open annually across Missouri. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$31,680 average salary, -10% vs national vs national. Metro Missouri pays even higher—up to $41,200 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to BJC HealthCare and other leading healthcare facilities across Missouri.

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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 Missouri

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Saint Luke's Health System alone has 100+ MO locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: BJC HealthCare 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 Mercy 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 Missouri

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

BJC HealthCare

Major System

St. Louis

Barnes-Jewish, Washington U affiliated

314-286-2000 View Jobs →

SSM Health

Healthcare Leader

St. Louis/Statewide

Major Catholic system

314-994-7800 View Jobs →

Mercy Health

Regional System

St. Louis/Springfield

Regional system

314-251-6000 View Jobs →

Saint Luke's Health System

Academic

Kansas City

KC's academic center

816-932-2000 View Jobs →

The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis

Top Ranked

St. Louis

Top-ranked rehab

314-658-3800 View Jobs →

Mercy Health

Rural Missouri

Rural areas

Major Midwest Catholic health system

314-251-6000 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Missouri

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

Metro Missouri

Major metro areas

$36K-$39K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Missouri

Suburban counties

$31K-$36K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Missouri

Central regions

$28K-$33K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Missouri

Rural areas

$26K-$30K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Missouri'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 BJC HealthCare.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend MO 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 Missouri 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 Missouri?

PT Techs in Missouri 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 Missouri?

Major PT Tech employers in Missouri include BJC HealthCare (#4 ranked nationally), SSM Health (MO's largest system), Mercy Health, Saint Luke's Health System (largest private PT practice in tristate), The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis, and Mercy Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Missouri?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Missouri earn an average of $31,680 per year (-10% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $22,500, experienced PT Techs earn $36,700+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $41,200+. Metro Missouri generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Missouri 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 Missouri?

Missouri 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 BJC HealthCare and major health systems.