Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Ohio

Ohio PT Tech Job Market

Ohio offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -9% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

3,150+ PT Tech positions open annually across Ohio. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$32,180 average salary, -9% vs national vs national. Metro Ohio pays even higher—up to $41,800 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Cleveland Clinic and other leading healthcare facilities across Ohio.

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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 Ohio

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—OhioHealth alone has 100+ OH locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Cleveland Clinic 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 UC 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 Ohio

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

Cleveland Clinic

#2 Ranked

Cleveland

#2 ranked hospital nationally

216-444-2200 View Jobs →

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Academic

Columbus

Major academic center

614-293-8000 View Jobs →

UC Health

Academic

Cincinnati

Academic medical center

513-585-6000 View Jobs →

OhioHealth

Regional System

Columbus

Large regional system

614-544-4000 View Jobs →

ProMedica

Established Provider

Toledo

Northwest Ohio leader

419-291-3435 View Jobs →

Mercy Health Ohio

Rural Ohio

Rural areas

Major Ohio Catholic health system

513-639-2800 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Ohio

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

Metro Ohio

Major metro areas

$37K-$40K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Ohio

Suburban counties

$32K-$37K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Ohio

Central regions

$28K-$33K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Ohio

Rural areas

$27K-$30K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Ohio'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 Cleveland Clinic.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and UC Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend OH 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 Ohio employers are looking for.

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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 Ohio?

PT Techs in Ohio 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 Ohio?

Major PT Tech employers in Ohio include Cleveland Clinic (#4 ranked nationally), Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OH's largest system), UC Health, OhioHealth (largest private PT practice in tristate), ProMedica, and Mercy Health Ohio. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Ohio?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Ohio earn an average of $32,180 per year (-9% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $22,800, experienced PT Techs earn $37,300+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $41,800+. Metro Ohio generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Ohio 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 Ohio?

Ohio 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 Cleveland Clinic and major health systems.