Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Physical Therapist Aide
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Athletic trainers earn more at the median ($62,520 vs. $35,240), while physical therapist aides usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Physical therapist aides help physical therapy teams set up, clean and keep patients moving.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Physical Therapist Aide | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $35,240 ($16.94/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $25,360 – $47,780 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +4.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 6,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 1–4 weeks |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | CPR |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | PT aides work in outpatient clinics, hospitals and sports medicine centers.. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Physical Therapist Aide
- Set up equipment
- Clean treatment areas
- Help patients move
- Prepare hot and cold packs
- Assist with exercises under supervision
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and teamwork. They sit in different fields, beauty, fitness & personal care and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as calm under pressure and friendliness.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose physical therapist aide if…
- I like fitness and health
- I want to explore PT
- I’m friendly
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Physical Therapist Aide fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or physical therapist aide?
Athletic Trainers earn more at the median: $62,520 versus $35,240 for physical therapist aides, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Physical Therapist Aides typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than athletic trainers (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects athletic trainers to grow +12.7% from 2025–35, compared with +4.0% for physical therapist aides.