Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Fremont, CA: $47.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Fremont, CA runs $47.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Fremont's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fremont, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is estimated to be $47.38, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This compensation reflects the region's higher cost of living index, making it viable for part-time professionals working in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health services, and pediatric therapy spaces. Those operating as per-diem workers can benefit from flexibility and diverse workplace experiences, with hourly rates ranging from $29.88 for entry-level positions to $66.48 for top earners. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight how even part-time and per-diem roles can provide a competitive edge in a professional landscape increasingly influenced by Medicare policies and service demands.
About the Fremont 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) | $29.88 | $239.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
| Median (P50) | $47.38 | $379.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.02 | $440.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.48 | $531.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fremont
Based on $47.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.38/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fremont, CA can expect to earn approximately $98,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,855. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fremont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fremont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,895.16 | $8,212 | $98,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,137.10 | $4,927 | $59,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $758.07 | $3,285 | $39,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Fremont) | $47.38 |
| 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 Fremont, CA earn a median of $98,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.30% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 16.80% above the California state average of $84,382.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.38/hr = $59,129/year (purchasing power: $52,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,548/year (purchasing power: $87,134).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fremont grew 16.3% from $39.65/hr (2019) to $46.12/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.67/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 Fremont 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 Fremont
For a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, the annual earnings can still make a considerable impact. With a typical schedule amounting to 24 hours weekly, these professionals may see a take-home pay far exceeding typical part-time roles in other fields. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Fremont tends to hover between $32 to $48 per hour, while locum tenens contracts can offer substantial weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Nevertheless, some positions in skilled nursing facilities may not provide the same financial incentive due to the lingering impacts of the 15% Medicare cut on PTA reimbursements. Compensation also varies across employer types in the area, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often offering better hourly rates compared to hospitals. As PTAs navigate job offers, understanding benefit packages is vital; professionals might have to weigh the value of health insurance against higher hourly wages when making career choices. Effective negotiation is key, especially in a competitive environment like Fremont, where knowledge of employer norms can empower professionals to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Fremont, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fremont in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Fremont?
Are physical therapist assistants in Fremont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Fremont?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fremont?
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 Fremont. 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 Fremont 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