Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $39.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Madera, CA runs $39.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,439 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,462 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) working in Madera, CA, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.63 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This robust hourly pay offers a solid opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings such as outpatient rehabilitation clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health services. For PTAs considering part-time work, averaging three days a week can lead to a strong income while enjoying flexibility. Entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of $28.56, while experienced professionals can reach up to $51.78, ensuring a range of earning potential that reflects skill and experience. These hourly rates are estimates derived from projected annual salary data, providing a solid foundation for career planning and income expectations in this growing field.
About the Madera 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) | $28.56 | $228.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.03 | $280.25 |
| Median (P50) | $39.63 | $317.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.84 | $366.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.78 | $414.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $39.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.63/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,437 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,560. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,585.33 | $6,870 | $82,437 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.20 | $4,122 | $49,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.13 | $2,748 | $32,975 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Madera) | $39.63 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $82,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.36% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.30% below the California state average of $84,379.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.63/hr = $49,462/year (purchasing power: $43,733).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,437/year (purchasing power: $72,889).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Madera grew 16.3% from $33.17/hr (2019) to $38.58/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.72/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 Madera 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 Madera
Part-time physical therapist assistants working in Madera can anticipate interesting earning scenarios. For instance, a PTA clocking in at 24 hours per week would net around $49,500 annually, which is a reasonable income that affords a comfortable lifestyle, albeit less than full-time workers. Per diem positions frequently attract those seeking flexibility. These PTAs typically earn between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher compensation, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per week. The dynamic nature of PTA pay can vary widely depending on the setting; outpatient clinics generally offer competitive rates, while skilled nursing facilities have faced challenges following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022. Some PTAs opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits in certain roles, balancing immediate compensation needs with long-term security. For those in Madera, negotiation tactics can involve discussing higher rates for specialized services, as this area frequently sees a demand for versatile PTAs.
More salary data for Madera, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Madera in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Madera?
Are physical therapist assistants in Madera paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Madera?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Madera?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Madera. 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 Madera 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