Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania PT Tech Job Market

Pennsylvania offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries -4% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

3,850+ PT Tech positions open annually across Pennsylvania. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$33,840 average salary, -4% vs national vs national. Metro Pennsylvania pays even higher—up to $44,000 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to Penn Medicine and other leading healthcare facilities across Pennsylvania.

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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 Pennsylvania

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Geisinger alone has 100+ PA locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: Penn 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 Jefferson 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 Pennsylvania

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

Penn Medicine

#9 Ranked

Philadelphia

#9 ranked hospital nationally

215-662-4000 View Jobs →

UPMC

Regional System

Pittsburgh

Massive regional system

412-647-8762 View Jobs →

Jefferson Health

Academic

Philadelphia

Major academic center

215-955-6000 View Jobs →

Geisinger

Growing Network

Central PA

Rural health leader, innovative model

570-271-6211 View Jobs →

Moss Rehabilitation

Top Ranked

Philadelphia

Top-ranked rehab hospital

215-663-6000 View Jobs →

Geisinger

Rural Pennsylvania

Rural areas

Central PA health system leader

800-275-6401 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Pennsylvania

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

Metro Pennsylvania

Major metro areas

$38K-$42K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Pennsylvania

Suburban counties

$33K-$38K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Pennsylvania

Central regions

$30K-$35K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Pennsylvania

Rural areas

$28K-$32K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Pennsylvania'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 Penn Medicine.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. Penn Medicine, UPMC, and Jefferson Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend PA 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

PT Techs in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Major PT Tech employers in Pennsylvania include Penn Medicine (#4 ranked nationally), UPMC (PA's largest system), Jefferson Health, Geisinger (largest private PT practice in tristate), Moss Rehabilitation, and Geisinger. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Pennsylvania?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Pennsylvania earn an average of $33,840 per year (-4% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $24,000, experienced PT Techs earn $39,300+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $44,000+. Metro Pennsylvania generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania 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 Penn Medicine and major health systems.