Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Menifee, CA: $40.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Menifee, CA runs $40.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,825 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Menifee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Menifee, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $40.30 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This elevated rate not only reflects the growing demand for skilled PTAs in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings but also creates appealing opportunities for part-time work. For those considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, the flexibility combined with this competitive pay can make a substantial difference in their overall earnings. On the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of approximately $28.26, while experienced professionals can command up to $53.53 per hour, demonstrating a robust range for physical therapist assistants in the region.
About the Menifee 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) | $28.26 | $226.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.11 | $280.90 |
| Median (P50) | $40.30 | $322.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.84 | $374.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.53 | $428.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Menifee
Based on $40.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.30/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Menifee, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,361. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Menifee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Menifee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,612.04 | $6,986 | $83,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.22 | $4,191 | $50,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.82 | $2,794 | $33,530 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Menifee) | $40.30 |
| 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 Menifee, CA earn a median of $83,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.33% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the California state average of $84,416.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.30/hr = $50,296/year (purchasing power: $44,470).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,826/year (purchasing power: $74,117).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Menifee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Menifee grew 16.3% from $33.73/hr (2019) to $39.23/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.40/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 Menifee 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 Menifee
When examining the earning potential of physical therapist assistants in Menifee, particularly those who choose part-time work or per-diem arrangements, the financial picture can be quite varied. A PTA working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect to take home roughly $50,000 annually, significantly less than the full-time potential. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Menifee typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, but managing a flexible schedule comes with trade-offs: while some priorities include avoiding full-time commitments, they may sacrifice health benefits offered by full-time roles. Furthermore, pay structures differ across various employer types; while outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide higher hourly rates, skilled nursing facilities may offer less due to changes following the CMS cuts enacted in 2022. Those negotiating their rates should consider these factors, weighing the immediate payoff against long-term benefits such as health insurance – critical for many in this profession.
More salary data for Menifee, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Menifee in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Menifee?
Are physical therapist assistants in Menifee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Menifee?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Menifee?
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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 Menifee. 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 Menifee 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