Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $41.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Richmond, CA runs $41.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,000 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Richmond, California, stands at a median of $41.35, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This wage reflects the unique demands and economies of the region, offering a competitive edge for physical therapist assistants (PTAs). For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a solid income over time, providing financial stability even in more flexible job settings. However, the hourly range spans from $27.24 at the 10th percentile to $54.40 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying potential based on skill, experience, and job type. Many PTAs work in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health environments, and other rehabilitation settings, often enjoying the personal scheduling advantages that part-time and per-diem roles provide.
About the Richmond 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) | $27.24 | $217.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.83 | $278.60 |
| Median (P50) | $41.35 | $330.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.75 | $381.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.40 | $435.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $41.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.35/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,619. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.95 | $7,167 | $86,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.37 | $4,300 | $51,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.58 | $2,867 | $34,402 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Richmond) | $41.35 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $86,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.43% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.90% above the California state average of $84,397.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.35/hr = $51,603/year (purchasing power: $45,626).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,006/year (purchasing power: $76,044).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Richmond grew 16.3% from $34.61/hr (2019) to $40.25/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.48/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
When considering the earning potential for a physical therapist assistant in Richmond, working part-time can yield notable differences compared to full-time employment. For instance, a PTA working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate could earn around $51,420 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Richmond typically ranges from $32 to $48 an hour, while travel PTA contracts have become lucrative, often paying between $1,200 and $1,800 per week. However, the recent Medicare cuts have affected hourly wages, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, where reimbursement for services has been reduced. Hourly rates can also vary based on workplace settings; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer different compensation structures than home health agencies or school therapy programs. PTAs must often weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits against lower rates that include health insurance. For those seeking to negotiate, understanding local standards and tailoring discussions to reflect the type of employer can bolster pay discussions effectively.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Richmond?
Are physical therapist assistants in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Richmond?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
Related Pages
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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