Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Milpitas, CA: $39.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Milpitas, CA runs $39.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Milpitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,142 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milpitas, California, the projected hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant in 2026 is $39.38, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $33.77. This robust hourly rate allows for substantial earnings, particularly for part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants. Those working a typical schedule of three days a week can earn a competitive income, benefiting from the diverse working environments available in the area, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy settings. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants ranges from $27.97 for entry-level positions to $52.38 for top earners, reflecting the value of experience and specialized skills within Milpitas's healthcare landscape. These estimates stem from annual salary data projections, indicating a strong demand for skilled PTAs in this thriving community.
About the Milpitas 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) | $27.97 | $223.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.52 | $276.14 |
| Median (P50) | $39.38 | $315.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.11 | $368.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.38 | $419.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milpitas
Based on $39.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.38/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milpitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,903 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,252. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milpitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milpitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,575.06 | $6,825 | $81,903 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $945.03 | $4,095 | $49,142 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.02 | $2,730 | $32,761 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Milpitas) | $39.38 |
| 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 Milpitas, CA earn a median of $81,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.60% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.00% below the California state average of $84,444.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.38/hr = $49,142/year (purchasing power: $43,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,903/year (purchasing power: $72,416).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Milpitas grew 16.3% from $32.95/hr (2019) to $38.33/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.45/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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas
Examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Milpitas reveals noteworthy aspects. A PTA working just three days a week for 24 hours could realistically take home around $49,346 annually, well below the full-time earnings for their peers. For those considering per diem roles, rates typically fluctuate between $32 and $48 per hour, allowing for flexibility but often lacking the security of benefits that full-time roles provide. Furthermore, travel contracts can prove lucrative, with weekly payouts ranging from $1,200 to $1,800, although these may not be consistent due to varying facility needs. It's essential to understand that hourly rates can differ across employer types—outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities may offer different compensation structures, influenced heavily by the recent 15% cuts in Medicare reimbursements. This environment leads many PTAs to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly pay and the benefits provided by full-time positions, a consideration crucial for negotiation in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Milpitas in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Milpitas?
Are physical therapist assistants in Milpitas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Milpitas?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Milpitas?
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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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas 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