Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin PT Tech Job Market

Wisconsin 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

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

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Premium Pay

$32,680 average salary, -8% vs national vs national. Metro Wisconsin pays even higher—up to $42,500 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to UW Health and other leading healthcare facilities across Wisconsin.

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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 Wisconsin

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Advocate Aurora Health alone has 100+ WI locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: UW Health 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 Ascension Wisconsin.
● 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 Wisconsin

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

UW Health

Academic

Madison

State's academic medical center

608-263-6400 View Jobs →

Froedtert & MCW

Academic

Milwaukee

SE Wisconsin academic center

414-805-6644 View Jobs →

Ascension Wisconsin

Regional Provider

Statewide

Major Catholic system

414-465-3000 View Jobs →

Advocate Aurora Health

Growing Network

Milwaukee/Statewide

Now merged with Advocate

414-647-3000 View Jobs →

Gundersen Health System

Established Provider

La Crosse

Western WI leader

608-782-7300 View Jobs →

Advocate Aurora Health

Rural Wisconsin

Rural areas

Midwest's largest health system

800-323-8622 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Wisconsin

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

Metro Wisconsin

Major metro areas

$37K-$40K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Wisconsin

Suburban counties

$32K-$37K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Wisconsin

Central regions

$29K-$34K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Wisconsin

Rural areas

$27K-$31K

Lower COL, community focus

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

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Wisconsin'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 Health.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. UW Health, Froedtert & MCW, and Ascension Wisconsin have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend WI 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

PT Techs in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

Major PT Tech employers in Wisconsin include UW Health (#4 ranked nationally), Froedtert & MCW (WI's largest system), Ascension Wisconsin, Advocate Aurora Health (largest private PT practice in tristate), Gundersen Health System, and Advocate Aurora Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Wisconsin?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Wisconsin earn an average of $32,680 per year (-8% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $23,200, experienced PT Techs earn $37,900+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $42,500+. Metro Wisconsin generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Health and major health systems.