Career comparison
Certified Nursing Assistant vs. Physical Therapist Assistant
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Physical therapist assistants earn more at the median ($68,380 vs. $42,260), while certified nursing assistants usually get to work faster (4–12 weeks of training). Certified nursing assistants provide hands-on daily care to patients and residents under nurse supervision. Physical therapist assistants help patients recover strength and movement after injuries, surgeries and illness.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Physical Therapist Assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $42,260 ($20.32/hr) | $68,380 ($32.88/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,940 – $51,980 | $47,750 – $89,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.6% (about as fast as average) | +23.0% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 196,200 | 18,500 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 4–12 weeks | 2 years |
| Key credential | State CNA certification | State PTA license or certification |
| Work setting | CNAs work mainly in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, assisted living and home health. | PTAs work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing and rehab facilities, schools and patients’ homes. |
What each job does
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Help patients bathe, dress, groom, eat and use the toilet
- Turn, reposition and transfer patients safely
- Measure and record vital signs, intake and output
- Observe and report changes in condition, skin or behavior to the nurse
- Make occupied and unoccupied beds and keep rooms clean and safe
Physical Therapist Assistant
- Carry out treatment plans written by the physical therapist
- Lead therapeutic exercise and stretching sessions
- Train patients in walking, transfers and assistive devices
- Apply modalities such as heat, ice and electrical stimulation
- Teach home exercise programs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, hands-on work, and physical work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose certified nursing assistant if…
- I’m comfortable helping people bathe and use the bathroom
- I have the physical stamina to lift, turn and walk all shift
- I’m patient with older adults and people with dementia
Choose physical therapist assistant if…
- I like helping people get better over time
- I enjoy exercise and how the body moves
- I’m encouraging when people struggle
Still torn? Take the Certified Nursing Assistant fit quiz and the Physical Therapist Assistant fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, certified nursing assistant or physical therapist assistant?
Physical Therapist Assistants earn more at the median: $68,380 versus $42,260 for certified nursing assistants, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Certified Nursing Assistants typically train faster (4–12 weeks) than physical therapist assistants (2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects physical therapist assistants to grow +23.0% from 2025–35, compared with +2.6% for certified nursing assistants.