Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $39.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Lodi, CA runs $39.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, physical therapist assistants can expect a competitive median hourly rate of $39.60, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This favorable hourly wage can be particularly advantageous for those pursuing part-time work or per-diem positions, often found in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios. Part-time practitioners working three days a week could see their earnings complement their lifestyle nicely. With an hourly range stretching from $28.47 for entry-level roles to $51.68 for more experienced aides, this profession offers various opportunities to meet diverse financial needs, especially in a setting like Lodi where there are only about 14 physical therapist assistants employed.
About the Lodi 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) | $28.47 | $227.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.99 | $279.92 |
| Median (P50) | $39.60 | $316.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.74 | $365.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.68 | $413.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $39.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.60/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,373 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,523. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,584.10 | $6,864 | $82,373 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $950.46 | $4,119 | $49,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $633.64 | $2,746 | $32,949 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Lodi) | $39.60 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $82,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the California state average of $84,403.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.60/hr = $49,424/year (purchasing power: $43,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,373/year (purchasing power: $72,832).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lodi grew 16.3% from $33.14/hr (2019) to $38.55/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.68/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants reveals different financial trajectories. A standard schedule of 24 hours a week nets approximately $49,084 annually, providing a comfortable income but significantly less than what full-time professionals make. On the other hand, per diem or agency physical therapist assistants in Lodi often command hourly rates between $32 and $48, with travel contracts yielding even higher compensation—ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, roles in skilled nursing facilities may suffer from wage compression due to the 15% Medicare cut impacting PTA services since 2022. The variation in hourly rates among employer types is stark; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer higher wages, while school therapy programs might provide better benefits, leading many PTAs to weigh hourly pay against health insurance options. For those negotiating in Lodi, emphasizing your expertise and understanding of local wage trends can bolster your position when discussing pay rates.
More salary data for Lodi, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Lodi in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Lodi?
Are physical therapist assistants in Lodi paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Lodi?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lodi?
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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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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