Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CA: $40.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Norwalk, CA runs $40.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,270 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norwalk, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $40.28 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $33.77. This higher wage reflects the unique economic dynamics of the region and the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospital rehab units. For part-time workers who typically clock in two to three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial weekly paycheck, providing flexibility while still offering a competitive income. Entry-level physical therapist assistants can expect to earn approximately $28.18 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals may achieve up to $53.37 per hour, highlighting a clear pathway for career advancement within the field.
About the Norwalk 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) | $28.18 | $225.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.21 | $273.67 |
| Median (P50) | $40.28 | $322.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.83 | $374.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.37 | $426.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $40.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.28/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,783 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,337. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.22 | $6,982 | $83,783 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.73 | $4,189 | $50,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.49 | $2,793 | $33,513 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Norwalk) | $40.28 |
| 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 Norwalk, CA earn a median of $83,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the California state average of $84,375.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.28/hr = $50,270/year (purchasing power: $44,447).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,783/year (purchasing power: $74,079).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norwalk grew 16.3% from $33.71/hr (2019) to $39.21/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.38/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time physical therapist assistants in Norwalk reveals that those working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, could see an income of around $49,950 annually—substantially lower than full-time PTA earnings but still respectable within the local market. The per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Norwalk can vary significantly, with typical billing rates ranging from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing PTAs to customize their work hours for additional flexibility. In settings like skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, hourly rates can reflect funding cuts from Medicare; since the 15% reimbursement cut in 2022, some agencies may offer lower pay. Employers differ widely in how they compensate PTAs, with benefits playing a crucial role in job choice. Some PTAs may accept lower hourly rates for job security and health insurance while others prefer higher rates without benefits for greater short-term gains. When negotiating hourly pay, it's vital for PTAs to research local standards, emphasize their experience, and consider the overall compensation package, balancing pay against job stability and benefits.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Norwalk in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Norwalk?
Are physical therapist assistants in Norwalk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Norwalk?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Norwalk?
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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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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