Career comparison
Physical Therapist Assistant vs. Recreational Therapist
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. $61,960), while physical therapist assistants usually get to work faster (2 years of training). Physical therapist assistants help patients recover strength and movement after injuries, surgeries and illness. Recreational therapists use recreation and activities to help patients recover and live fully.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Physical Therapist Assistant | Recreational Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $68,380 ($32.88/hr) | $61,960 ($29.79/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $47,750 – $89,510 | $40,990 – $100,420 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +23.0% (much faster than average) | +4.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 18,500 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 2 years | 4 years plus internship |
| Key credential | State PTA license or certification | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) |
| Work setting | PTAs work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing and rehab facilities, schools and patients’ homes. | Recreational therapists work in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities and community programs.. |
What each job does
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
Recreational Therapist
- Assess patients’ needs and interests
- Plan therapeutic recreation programs
- Lead individual and group activities
- Adapt activities for abilities
- Track progress toward goals
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, healthcare and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as encouragement and motivation and creativity.
Which should you choose?
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
Choose recreational therapist if…
- I want to help people heal
- I love games, arts or sports
- I’m creative
Still torn? Take the Physical Therapist Assistant fit quiz and the Recreational Therapist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, physical therapist assistant or recreational therapist?
Physical Therapist Assistants earn more at the median: $68,380 versus $61,960 for recreational therapists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Physical Therapist Assistants typically train faster (2 years) than recreational therapists (4 years plus internship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects physical therapist assistants to grow +23.0% from 2025–35, compared with +4.8% for recreational therapists.