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Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$83,110
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.7% vs 2024
$83,080
Mean Salary
$83,110
Median Salary
$39.96
Hourly Rate
9,400 people work as Physical Therapist Assistants in California

Physical Therapist Assistants salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Physical Therapist Assistants salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $59,500$59,50025th25% earn less than $75,900$75,900MedianHalf earn more than $83,110$83,11075th75% earn less than $94,940$94,94090thTop 10% earn more than $102,800$102,800

Physical Therapist Assistants in California earn a median salary of $83,110 per year ($6,925/month). This is 23.9% above the national average of $67,076. California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Physical Therapist Assistants pay. Approximately 9,400 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 4.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physical Therapist Assistants

Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
3.75
Monitoring
3.75
Social Perceptiveness
3.75
Reading Comprehension
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.52
Therapy and Counseling
4.24
English Language
4.19
Education and Training
3.92
Psychology
3.64
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (84.2% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Physical Therapist Assistants in California

Salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in California range from $59,500 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $102,800 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $75,900 and $94,940.

Median $83,110
P10: $59,500 P25: $75,900 P75: $94,940 P90: $102,800
10th
$59,500
25th
$75,900
Median
$83,110
75th
$94,940
90th
$102,800
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $59,500 $28.61 $4,958
25th Percentile $75,900 $36.49 $6,325
Median (50th) $83,110 $39.96 $6,925
75th Percentile $94,940 $45.64 $7,911
90th Percentile (Experienced) $102,800 $49.42 $8,566

Note: The mean (average) salary of $83,080 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 51 states
$67,076
National avg. for Physical Therapist Assistants
+23.9%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Physical Therapist Assistants salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Physical Therapist Assistants take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Physical Therapist Assistants Data in California

Physical Therapist Assistants Salary by State

Compare Physical Therapist Assistants pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in California?
The median annual salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in California is $83,110 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $83,080.
What is the salary range for a Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
Salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in California range from $59,500 at the 10th percentile to $102,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $75,900 and $94,940.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants positions in California typically start around $59,500 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $75,900 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 9,400 people are employed as Physical Therapist Assistants in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Physical Therapist Assistants in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physical Therapist Assistants in California is approximately $39.96 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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