Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $41.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $41.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cucamonga, California, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $41.13, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This substantial wage not only reflects the demand for skilled PTAs in various settings—such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and pediatric therapy spaces—but also represents the higher cost of living in the region. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income that can support a decent lifestyle. Additionally, PTAs can expect to earn between $26.88 and $53.57 per hour, offering a progressive income pathway from entry-level positions to more seasoned roles within their field.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $26.88 | $215.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.84 | $294.71 |
| Median (P50) | $41.13 | $329.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.28 | $378.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.57 | $428.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $41.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.13/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,557 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,360. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,645.32 | $7,130 | $85,557 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $987.19 | $4,278 | $51,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $658.13 | $2,852 | $34,223 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Rancho Cucamonga) | $41.13 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $85,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.80% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% above the California state average of $84,376.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.13/hr = $51,334/year (purchasing power: $45,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,557/year (purchasing power: $75,647).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rancho Cucamonga grew 16.3% from $34.42/hr (2019) to $40.04/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.26/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Analyzing the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in Rancho Cucamonga reveals several factors affecting hourly pay. A part-time PTA working a 24-hour week can make a reliable income, although significantly less than a full-time counterpart. For instance, those working on a per-diem basis in Rancho Cucamonga often earn between $32 and $48 per hour, while travel contracts typically offer weekly compensation ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, those in skilled nursing facilities may feel the impact of the recent Medicare cuts, which reduced their pay rates due to compliance adjustments. Hourly rates vary across different employers, with outpatient orthopedic clinics and pediatric therapy programs often providing the most competitive wages. For many PTAs, accepting a lower hourly rate can come with the trade-off of health benefits, while others may prioritize higher hourly pay without the safety net of employer-provided insurance. As job seekers negotiate their compensation, understanding the dynamics in local markets can empower them to make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are physical therapist assistants in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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