Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Moreno Valley, CA: $40.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Moreno Valley, CA runs $40.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Moreno Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,116 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Moreno Valley, California, earn a median hourly rate of $40.96, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This favorable pay scale allows those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, to enjoy substantial earnings compared to other regions. Per-diem roles, which are also common in this profession, typically pay between $32 and $48 per hour, providing flexibility for individuals seeking varied work experiences in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits. Entry-level PTAs can expect to earn around $27.69 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command up to $55.71 per hour, reflecting the diversity of roles and workplaces that shape the landscape of physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Moreno Valley.
About the Moreno Valley 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) | $27.69 | $221.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.01 | $280.08 |
| Median (P50) | $40.96 | $327.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.05 | $392.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.71 | $445.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moreno Valley
Based on $40.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.96/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moreno Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,150. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moreno Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moreno Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,638.34 | $7,099 | $85,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.00 | $4,260 | $51,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.34 | $2,840 | $34,077 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Moreno Valley) | $40.96 |
| 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 Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $85,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% above the California state average of $84,426.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.96/hr = $51,116/year (purchasing power: $45,196).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,194/year (purchasing power: $75,326).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Moreno Valley grew 16.3% from $34.28/hr (2019) to $39.87/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.08/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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Looking at part-time earning potential, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week could take home approximately $51,000 annually, while those in full-time roles may secure closer to $85,186 per year. The realities of per-diem work can differ significantly, particularly amidst adjustments from the 15% Medicare cut that affected PTA compensation in skilled nursing facilities since 2022. Hourly rates can vary considerably based on the employer, as outpatient orthopedic clinics and pediatric therapy spaces may offer different pay scales compared to agencies or hospital inpatient rehab units. Some PTAs opt for positions with lower pay but greater benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Moreno Valley, it is advisable to research employer pay rates, focus on skills and certifications, and be prepared to discuss the impact of Medicare’s reimbursement policies on compensations in various settings.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Moreno Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Moreno Valley?
Are physical therapist assistants in Moreno Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Moreno Valley?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Moreno Valley?
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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 Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley 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