Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $41.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Anaheim, CA runs $41.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,884 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $41.29, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This elevated rate benefits part-time and per-diem professionals, who often find work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, typically totaling around 24 hours, the pay can equate to a competitive income, while the hourly range in the area stretches from $27.11 at the entry level to $56.56 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, which emphasizes the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Anaheim amidst a cost of living that is above the national average.
About the Anaheim 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) | $27.11 | $216.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.71 | $277.70 |
| Median (P50) | $41.29 | $330.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.86 | $390.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.56 | $452.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $41.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.29/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,545. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.49 | $7,156 | $85,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.89 | $4,294 | $51,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.59 | $2,863 | $34,351 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Anaheim) | $41.29 |
| 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 Anaheim, CA earn a median of $85,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.26% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% above the California state average of $84,366.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.29/hr = $51,526/year (purchasing power: $45,558).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,877/year (purchasing power: $75,930).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Anaheim grew 16.3% from $34.55/hr (2019) to $40.19/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.41/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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim
The earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants, particularly those working 24 hours weekly, can be substantial; such PTA professionals may net an annual income that still reflects a decent standard of living despite not working full-time. For per-diem roles, it's common to see billing rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. While travel assignments often provide lucrative contracts of $1,200 to $1,800 per week, the recent Medicare Part B reimbursement cuts have impacted pay structures, particularly within skilled nursing facilities. Hourly wages can vary widely based on the employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer different pay scales compared to pediatric therapy programs or school-based roles. Therefore, while some may prefer to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might seek higher pay for flexible roles devoid of long-term commitments. Local negotiation strategies may include emphasizing specialized skills or leveraging multiple job offers, which are crucial in a competitive job market like Anaheim's.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Anaheim?
Are physical therapist assistants in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Anaheim?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
Related Pages
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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 Anaheim. 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 Anaheim 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