Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $39.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Indio, CA runs $39.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,867 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,719 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Indio, California, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants is $39.84, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the demand for skilled PTAs in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to an annual income that is both attractive and substantial, providing a solid foundation for financial planning. The hourly pay range for PTAs in the area stretches from $28.87 at the entry-level to about $52.56 for top earners, indicating room for growth within the profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates projected for 2026, giving a clear picture of the earning potential for both full-time and per-diem positions in this vibrant California city.
About the Indio 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) | $28.87 | $230.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.46 | $283.70 |
| Median (P50) | $39.84 | $318.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.26 | $370.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.56 | $420.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $39.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.84/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,864 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,806. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,593.55 | $6,905 | $82,864 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.13 | $4,143 | $49,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.42 | $2,762 | $33,146 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Indio) | $39.84 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $82,867 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.97% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.80% below the California state average of $84,386.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.84/hr = $49,719/year (purchasing power: $43,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,864/year (purchasing power: $73,267).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Indio grew 16.3% from $33.34/hr (2019) to $38.78/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.93/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 Indio 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 Indio
Considering the realities of working part-time, a physical therapist assistant on a three-day workweek schedule can expect to earn around $49,123 annually. This is a practical option for those seeking a balance between work and personal life. On the other hand, per-diem physical therapist assistants in Indio typically see rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific demands of the job. Travel PTA contracts can command pay between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly, offering lucrative opportunities despite the fluctuations in pay. Hourly rates also vary by employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering higher pay than skilled nursing facilities, which have faced adjustments due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that came into effect in 2022. As PTAs consider their options, the decision to prioritize higher hourly wages over health benefits remains a crucial factor. Those negotiating hourly pay in Indio might find that illustrating their experience and willingness to work flexible hours can yield better compensation.
More salary data for Indio, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Indio in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Indio?
Are physical therapist assistants in Indio paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Indio?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Indio?
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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 Indio. 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 Indio 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