Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $40.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Glendale, CA runs $40.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,917 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $40.82, significantly above the national median of $33.77. This competitive pay reflects the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled healthcare professionals, particularly in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For part-time workers, specifically those scheduling just three days a week, this translates into meaningful earnings that can support a balanced lifestyle, while per-diem positions offer even more flexibility. Entry-level physical therapist assistants start at $29.29 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $55.30 for those at the top of the pay scale, making it an attractive option for new graduates or those considering a career change.
About the Glendale 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) | $29.29 | $234.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.19 | $289.53 |
| Median (P50) | $40.82 | $326.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.10 | $384.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.30 | $442.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $40.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.82/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,990. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,633.00 | $7,076 | $84,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $979.80 | $4,246 | $50,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $653.20 | $2,831 | $33,966 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Glendale) | $40.82 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $84,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.88% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.60% above the California state average of $84,410.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.82/hr = $50,949/year (purchasing power: $45,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,916/year (purchasing power: $75,080).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Glendale grew 16.3% from $34.17/hr (2019) to $39.74/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.94/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Glendale reveals that working a typical 24-hour week could yield an annual income that varies widely based on individual circumstances. Per-diem physical therapist assistants typically earn between $32 and $48 per hour, although those on contract can see weekly earnings between $1,200 and $1,800, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where recent Medicare cuts have affected agency pay rates. Hourly earnings fluctuate based on employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide higher wages compared to home health agencies or pediatric clinics. While some PTAs may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, especially if they are seasoned professionals with established financial stability. Effective negotiation skills are crucial in this field due to these variances. For those looking to improve their pay, staying informed about the nuances in hourly rates across different settings can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Glendale?
Are physical therapist assistants in Glendale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Glendale?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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