Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in California
Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn an average of $74,932 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$74,932
per year
Hourly Rate
$36.02
per hour
vs National
+16.2%
$64,480 national
Salary Range
$48,823
to $109,378
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$74,932
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$52,769
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary of $74,932 has the purchasing power of $52,769 in an average-cost area.
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $89,794 | $43.17/hr | $56,763 | $135,299 | 150 |
| San Francisco, CA | $86,621 | $41.64/hr | $56,869 | $129,719 | 163 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $71,320 | $34.29/hr | $45,594 | $102,283 | 187 |
| San Diego, CA | $69,437 | $33.38/hr | $45,806 | $97,312 | 116 |
| Riverside, CA | $66,939 | $32.18/hr | $43,752 | $94,014 | 132 |
| Sacramento, CA | $65,480 | $31.48/hr | $44,154 | $97,643 | 126 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 874 Physical Therapist Assistants employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$48,823
Starting salary for new Physical Therapist Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$74,932
Mid-career Physical Therapist Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$109,378
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Nurse Practitioner
$147,716
avg in CA
+$72,784 vs Physical Therapist Assistant
Registered Nurse
$109,589
avg in CA
+$34,657 vs Physical Therapist Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$105,568
avg in CA
+$30,636 vs Physical Therapist Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$70,621
avg in CA
-$4,311 vs Physical Therapist Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$44,150
avg in CA
-$30,782 vs Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physical Therapist Assistant salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physical Therapist Assistant Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist Assistant salary in California?
The average Physical Therapist Assistant salary in California is $74,932 per year ($36.02/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.2% above the national average of $64,480.
What is the highest paying city for Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Physical Therapist Assistants in California, with a median salary of $89,794 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Sacramento, CA at $65,480.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
Physical Therapist Assistant salaries in California range from $48,823 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $109,378 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $74,932 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.