Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Washington

Washington PT Tech Job Market

Washington offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries +14% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

1,850+ PT Tech positions open annually across Washington. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$40,280 average salary, +14% vs national vs national. Metro Washington pays even higher—up to $52,400 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to UW Medicine and other leading healthcare facilities across Washington.

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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 Washington

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—MultiCare Health System alone has 100+ WA locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: UW 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 Virginia Mason.
● 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 Washington

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

UW Medicine

Top Ranked

Seattle

Top-ranked academic center

206-598-3300 View Jobs →

Providence Health

Regional System

Seattle/Statewide

Major regional system

206-320-2000 View Jobs →

Virginia Mason

Regional Provider

Seattle

Innovation leader

206-223-6600 View Jobs →

MultiCare Health System

Growing Network

Tacoma

South Sound leader

253-403-1000 View Jobs →

Kaiser Permanente WA

Established Provider

Seattle/Statewide

Integrated HMO

206-326-3000 View Jobs →

MultiCare Health System

Rural Washington

Rural areas

Puget Sound health leader

253-403-1000 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Washington

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

Metro Washington

Major metro areas

$46K-$50K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Washington

Suburban counties

$40K-$46K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Washington

Central regions

$36K-$42K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Washington

Rural areas

$34K-$38K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Washington'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 UW Medicine.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. UW Medicine, Providence Health, and Virginia Mason have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend WA 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 Washington 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 Washington?

PT Techs in Washington 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 Washington?

Major PT Tech employers in Washington include UW Medicine (#4 ranked nationally), Providence Health (WA's largest system), Virginia Mason, MultiCare Health System (largest private PT practice in tristate), Kaiser Permanente WA, and MultiCare Health System. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Washington?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Washington earn an average of $40,280 per year (+14% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $28,600, experienced PT Techs earn $46,700+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $52,400+. Metro Washington generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Washington 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 Washington?

Washington 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 UW Medicine and major health systems.