Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Daly City, CA: $41.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Daly City, CA runs $41.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,628 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Daly City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daly City, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $41.65 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can lead to a comfortable earnings structure, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a solid income. Per-diem workers in settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital rehab units will find varying opportunities, with an hourly rate range stretching from $27.92 for entry-level positions up to $53.87 for top earners. This hourly data is derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the potential for competitive pay within Daly City’s healthcare landscape.
About the Daly City 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) | $27.92 | $223.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.44 | $283.53 |
| Median (P50) | $41.65 | $333.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.55 | $380.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.87 | $430.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daly City
Based on $41.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.65/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daly City, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,976. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Daly City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daly City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.87 | $7,219 | $86,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.52 | $4,331 | $51,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.35 | $2,888 | $34,650 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Daly City) | $41.65 |
| 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 Daly City, CA earn a median of $86,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.32% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.60% above the California state average of $84,433.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.65/hr = $51,975/year (purchasing power: $45,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,625/year (purchasing power: $76,592).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Daly City grew 16.3% from $34.85/hr (2019) to $40.54/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.78/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 Daly City 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 Daly City
Examining the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants in Daly City reveals diverse earning potentials across various employment types. A part-time physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income around $51,872, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart but still viable for flexible working arrangements. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Daly City typically falls within $32 to $48 an hour, while travel PTA contracts may offer lucrative weekly compensations between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the ongoing 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates for PTA services has affected earnings, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where hourly rates may decline due to budget constraints. Physical therapist assistants must weigh the benefits of healthcare and other perks against the hourly pay offered, as those seeking higher hourly wages might forfeit benefits. Negotiation skills are essential when discussing hourly terms, particularly given the variability in pay based on the type of employer—whether an outpatient orthopedic clinic, a skilled nursing facility, or a pediatric therapy program in Daly City.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Daly City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Daly City?
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How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Daly City?
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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 Daly City. 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 Daly City 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