Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $39.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest'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 Lake Forest, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $39.84 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This competitive rate benefits full-time and part-time professionals alike, particularly those working in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For part-time workers, particularly those taking shifts three days a week, the hourly compensation translates into substantial earnings, enabling flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly range in Lake Forest stretches from $28.87 at the 10th percentile to $52.56 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse experience and specialization levels of physical therapist assistants in the region. Such competitive pay is vital as PTAs not only support physical therapists under supervision but also adapt to the shifting demands of healthcare environments.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $34.59 | $276.71 |
| 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 Lake Forest
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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| 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 (Lake Forest) | $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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest (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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
For those considering part-time options, a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours per week can realistically earn a substantial income while enjoying greater personal time. This setup may lead to an annual income that, while lower than that of full-time peers, still offers considerable flexibility. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Lake Forest typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, with some PTA contracts in travel settings yielding weekly pays between $1,200 and $1,800. Various employer types contribute to this pay variability, with outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offering higher wages compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have seen a pay compression due to Medicare cuts. Understanding these dynamics allows PTAs to negotiate effectively. For instance, while accepting lower hourly rates for jobs providing health benefits can be advantageous, many professionals choose to forgo benefits in exchange for higher pay—a decision shaped by individual circumstances. Consideration of these factors is essential for PTAs aiming to maximize their financial outcomes in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lake Forest?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lake Forest?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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