Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $40.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $40.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay reflects a competitive $40.77, significantly above the national median of $33.77. This rate offers attractive opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For those working three days a week, the flexibility can lead to a solid income while balancing other commitments. Entry-level positions, typically starting around $28.16, provide a pathway into the profession, while experienced PTAs can earn up to $55.12, illustrating a robust range of potential earnings based on expertise and the type of facility. These figures are estimated from annual salary data for 2026, showcasing how the local market is benefiting from the demand for healthcare professionals.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $28.16 | $225.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.21 | $281.64 |
| Median (P50) | $40.77 | $326.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.96 | $383.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.12 | $441.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $40.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.77/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,928. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,630.94 | $7,067 | $84,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $978.56 | $4,240 | $50,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $652.38 | $2,827 | $33,924 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Costa Mesa) | $40.77 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $84,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.73% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.50% above the California state average of $84,385.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.77/hr = $50,885/year (purchasing power: $44,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,809/year (purchasing power: $74,986).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Costa Mesa grew 16.3% from $34.12/hr (2019) to $39.69/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.89/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
Breaking down the financial aspect for part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week, one can expect an annual take-home significantly lower than full-time earners, but still advantageous considering the hours worked. For those considering per diem positions, the pay can range from $32 to $48 per hour, which varies based on the facility and location. Travel PTA contracts often yield between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, presenting compelling options for those willing to relocate temporarily. However, since the implementation of the 15% Medicare cut in 2022, skilled nursing facility pay has seen compression. In Costa Mesa, different employer types may offer various hourly rates—outpatient orthopedic clinics can provide better rates than nursing facilities. Some PTAs opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, while others prefer higher rates without such perks. Negotiating effectively—knowing the local average and articulating your skills—can play an essential role in achieving optimal pay in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Costa Mesa?
Are physical therapist assistants in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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