Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $39.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Alhambra, CA runs $39.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,898 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alhambra, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $39.98, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive pay allows for flexible work arrangements, benefiting part-time workers who may choose to operate just three days a week in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly wage range in Alhambra varies from about $29.37 for entry-level positions up to $53.04 for top earners, creating an attractive opportunity for those entering the profession or seeking to maximize their earning potential. It’s important to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections and reflect the localized market demands in CA.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.37 | $234.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.76 | $286.08 |
| Median (P50) | $39.98 | $319.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.08 | $360.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.04 | $424.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $39.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.98/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,164 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,979. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,599.30 | $6,930 | $83,164 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $959.58 | $4,158 | $49,898 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.72 | $2,772 | $33,265 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Alhambra) | $39.98 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $83,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the California state average of $84,435.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.98/hr = $49,898/year (purchasing power: $44,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,164/year (purchasing power: $73,531).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Alhambra grew 16.3% from $33.46/hr (2019) to $38.92/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Alhambra
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Alhambra reveals some discrepancies in annual take-home pay as compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, a PTA working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, would earn around $49,792 annually, which is substantially less than full-time income but still offers decent financial stability. Per diem physical therapist assistants in Alhambra can expect to earn between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, although some may seek positions in skilled nursing facilities where pay has been compressed due to the 2022 Medicare cuts. Payment structures often vary significantly depending on the employer type; outpatient clinics may offer competitive rates, while SNFs and home health agencies may provide lower hourly rates but include crucial benefits like health insurance. This trade-off makes negotiation crucial, as some PTAs accept lower hourly rates for better benefits, especially if they seek financial security in a profession affected by fluctuating reimbursement policies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for PTAs navigating their career options in Alhambra, CA.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Alhambra?
Are physical therapist assistants in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Alhambra?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Alhambra. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov