Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Perris, CA: $39.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Perris, CA runs $39.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,507 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Perris's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Perris, California, the median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants is projected to be $39.66 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $33.77. This significant difference means that PTAs in the area can enjoy a favorable compensation structure, which is particularly beneficial for those working part-time or as per-diem staff in various rehabilitation settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. With hourly rates ranging from $28.47 for entry-level positions to $51.98 for those at the top of the pay scale, physical therapist assistants can expect viable financial rewards across their diverse roles and responsibilities in the field.
About the Perris 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) | $28.47 | $227.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.10 | $280.82 |
| Median (P50) | $39.66 | $317.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.72 | $373.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.98 | $415.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Perris
Based on $39.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.66/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Perris, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,501 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,597. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Perris.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Perris
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.56 | $6,875 | $82,501 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.94 | $4,125 | $49,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.62 | $2,750 | $33,000 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Perris) | $39.66 |
| 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 Perris, CA earn a median of $82,507 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.45% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% below the California state average of $84,363.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.66/hr = $49,501/year (purchasing power: $43,767).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,501/year (purchasing power: $72,945).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Perris (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Perris grew 16.3% from $33.20/hr (2019) to $38.61/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.75/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 Perris 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 Perris
Focusing on part-time earnings, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could see an annual take-home in the vicinity of $49,080, significantly less than what a full-time employee might earn. Per-diem opportunities in Parrish can often yield billing rates between $32-$48 per hour, with travel contracts seeing earnings of $1,200-$1,800 weekly. However, compensation can vary widely depending on employer type; outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy programs each offer different hourly rates. While some PTAs may choose higher pay that lacks benefits, others might opt for positions that provide health insurance, giving them peace of mind despite lower hourly wages. It's essential for PTAs in Perris to negotiate effectively, taking into account the trade-offs between pay rates and benefits to find the best arrangement that supports their lifestyle and career goals.
More salary data for Perris, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Perris in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Perris?
Are physical therapist assistants in Perris paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Perris?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Perris?
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 Perris. 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 Perris 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