Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $42.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Irvine, CA runs $42.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $42.15 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This difference highlights the demand and competitive nature of this profession in the local market. For part-time workers, specifically those on a three-day workweek, the potential earnings translate to approximately $1,353 per week, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible employment. Depending on their experience and setting, entry-level physical therapist assistants can expect to earn around $28.94 per hour, while top earners might see rates as high as $58.18. Typical workplaces include outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, hospital inpatient rehab units, and pediatric therapy spaces, where these hourly rates are estimated from projected annual salary data.
About the Irvine 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) | $28.94 | $231.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.50 | $292.00 |
| Median (P50) | $42.15 | $337.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.97 | $407.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.18 | $465.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $42.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.15/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,672 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,580. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,686.00 | $7,306 | $87,672 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,011.60 | $4,384 | $52,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.40 | $2,922 | $35,069 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Irvine) | $42.15 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $87,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.81% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% above the California state average of $84,386.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.15/hr = $52,603/year (purchasing power: $46,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,672/year (purchasing power: $77,517).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Irvine grew 16.3% from $35.28/hr (2019) to $41.03/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.30/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
Considering the earnings potential, part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week might take home around $70,000 annually, which is still a respectable income for a flexible role. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Irvine ranges, commonly billing between $32 to $48 per hour. Travel PTA contracts can be lucrative as well, with weekly earnings stretching from $1,200 to $1,800. However, it’s essential to note that the recent 15% Medicare cut has greatly affected earnings in heavily Medicare-reliant settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, leading to a potential reduction in pay for agency PTAs. Different employer types in Irvine, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies, can offer varied hourly rates based on the current demand and reimbursement pressures. While some opt for higher rates without benefits, others may prefer the stability that comes with lower pay but health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, focusing on local market data and articulating the unique skills they bring to the table can justify higher requests.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Irvine in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Irvine?
Are physical therapist assistants in Irvine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Irvine?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Irvine?
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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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