Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $41.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in El Monte, CA runs $41.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, physical therapist assistants are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $41.64 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $33.77. This favorable rate opens up versatile opportunities for part-time professionals and per-diem workers, particularly in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehab rooms, and home health settings. With an hourly range from $28.06 at entry level to $55.37 for the most experienced, the financial prospects can be promising for PTAs in this region. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, illustrate a conducive environment for those looking to supplement their income through various work arrangements while adhering to California's regulations regarding therapy services delivered under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
About the El Monte 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) | $28.06 | $224.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.42 | $283.37 |
| Median (P50) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.44 | $387.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.37 | $442.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $41.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,964. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.46 | $7,217 | $86,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.28 | $4,330 | $51,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.18 | $2,887 | $34,642 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (El Monte) | $41.64 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $86,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.28% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.60% above the California state average of $84,406.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.64/hr = $51,962/year (purchasing power: $45,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,604/year (purchasing power: $76,573).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in El Monte (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 | $35.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in El Monte grew 16.3% from $34.85/hr (2019) to $40.53/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.77/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
Exploring the part-time earning possibilities, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, may enjoy an annual compensation considerably lower than that of full-time colleagues, depending on their specific arrangements. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in El Monte typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour while travel PTA contracts can yield between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. It's important to recognize that hourly rates vary by employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics, home health agencies, and SNF settings offering distinct pay scales. Some PTAs may accept lower rates in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize hourly pay without additional perks. Negotiation strategies become crucial for hourly workers; knowing the local market rates can empower PTAs to make informed decisions when discussing terms, particularly with recent financial shifts following the 2022 Medicare cuts that impacted reimbursement for services. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone navigating their career in physical therapy in El Monte, CA.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in El Monte?
Are physical therapist assistants in El Monte paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in El Monte?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in El Monte?
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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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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