A Student Career Guide to Becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant
California PTA Salaries vary for a number of reasons but salaries are generally high in CA. Physical therapist assistants can expect to make over $70,000 annually.
| City / Metro | Hourly Pay | Annual Salary | Total Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | $34.99 | $72,790 | 110 |
| Chico, CA | $34.54 | $71,850 | 40 |
| Fresno, CA | $33.97 | $70,660 | 210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $37.38 | $77,750 | 3,040 |
| Merced, CA | $30.65 | $63,760 | 40 |
| Modesto, CA | $32.83 | $68,280 | 150 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $33.86 | $70,430 | 250 |
| Redding, CA | $33.62 | $69,940 | 70 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $37.54 | $78,090 | 830 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $38.82 | $80,740 | 430 |
| Salinas, CA | $35.05 | $72,910 | 60 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $38.49 | $80,060 | 840 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $43.03 | $89,510 | 960 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $45.61 | $94,860 | 260 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $33.26 | $69,190 | 60 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $38.11 | $79,260 | 70 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $38.27 | $79,600 | 70 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $34.78 | $72,350 | 100 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $36.23 | $75,360 | 50 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | $35.82 | $74,510 | 80 |
| Yuba City, CA | $36.49 | $75,890 | 50 |
California City | Annual Median PTA Salary |
|---|---|
| Anaheim, CA | $55,984 |
| Antioch, CA | $56,304 |
| Apple Valley, CA | $52,692 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $51,133 |
| Berkeley, CA | $58,792 |
| Burbank, CA | $55,519 |
| Carlsbad, CA | $53,627 |
| Carson, CA | $54,912 |
| Chico, CA | $51,083 |
| Chula Vista, CA | $53,627 |
| Coachella, CA | $51,565 |
| Fremont, CA | $58,617 |
| Irvine, CA | $55,549 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $54,450 |
| San Diego, CA | $53,627 |
| San Jose, CA | $60,616 |
| San Francisco, CA | $62,819 |
| Fresno, CA | $51,609 |
| Sacramento, CA | $54,088 |
| Long Beach, CA | $55,984 |
| Oakland, CA | $58,670 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,549 |
| Riverside, CA | $53,412 |
| Stockton, CA | $54,136 |
| San Bernardino, CA | $53,523 |
| Modesto, CA | $53,868 |
The annual salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in major cities in California vary significantly. In Los Angeles, the average salary is around $59,000, which is slightly higher than the national average. In San Francisco, the average salary jumps to approximately $66,000, owing to the higher cost of living in the Bay Area. San Diego offers a competitive average salary of about $61,000, reflecting the demand for physical therapist assistants in the city. The city of Sacramento provides an average salary of around $57,000, which is still above the national average but slightly lower compared to other major cities in the state. In Fresno, the average salary for physical therapist assistants is around $52,000, making it one of the lower-paying cities in California.
Overall, physical therapist assistants in major cities in California can expect to earn salaries that are generally higher than the national average. However, the salary fluctuation between various cities indicates the influence of factors like cost of living, demand for professionals, and local market dynamics on the annual salaries in this profession.
In California, physical therapist assistants typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $28 to $38. The average hourly wage for these professionals is around $32. However, in major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, the wages tend to be slightly higher, with hourly rates ranging from $30 to $40. These cities offer a higher cost of living, which contributes to the increased wages for physical therapist assistants.
Physical therapist assistant salaries in California tend to be higher compared to other states. The state’s high cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and competitive job market contribute to this discrepancy. PTA professionals in California can expect relatively higher income levels, reflecting the state’s economic factors and potentially greater earning potential than their counterparts in other states.
While California may offer higher salaries for physical therapist assistants, other states may present a more balanced cost of living to salary ratio. Factors such as regional demand for healthcare services, cost of living, and local economic conditions influence the compensation PTA professionals receive. As a result, physical therapist assistants in certain states may benefit from more competitive salaries when factoring in the cost of living and availability of job opportunities in their respective regions.
A physical therapist assistant in California earns a competitive salary compared to other occupations. The average annual income for a physical therapist assistant in California is around $70,000. This falls higher than the median income in the state, making it an attractive career choice for individuals seeking financial stability and growth opportunities. Additionally, the demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, further increasing the earning potential in this field.
In comparison to other occupations in California, a physical therapist assistant’s salary is generally higher than the average income. For instance, the median annual salary for all occupations in California is around $60,000, making physical therapist assistant a more financially rewarding career path. This higher earning potential, combined with the job growth forecast, makes pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant in California an enticing option for individuals interested in the healthcare field.
If a physical therapist assistant career sounds interesting to you then you can search programs online and nearby below or learn more about a physical therapy assistant degree and physical therapist assistant schooling.
