Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $41.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Sacramento, CA runs $41.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,591 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,962 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is approximately $41.64, significantly above the national median of $33.77 per hour. This competitive rate enhances the prospects for part-time workers, typically operating in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. Part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week can find this hourly rate beneficial, as it allows for flexible scheduling while still generating a noteworthy income within the Sacramento region. The hourly pay range for entry-level positions starts at $31.61, with experienced professionals potentially earning up to $50.83, showcasing a clear pathway for advancement based on experience and skill.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.61 | $252.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.49 | $299.89 |
| Median (P50) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.25 | $377.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.83 | $406.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $41.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.64/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,964. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.46 | $7,217 | $86,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.28 | $4,330 | $51,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.18 | $2,887 | $34,642 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Sacramento) | $41.64 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $86,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.60% above the California state average of $84,397.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.64/hr = $51,962/year (purchasing power: $48,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,604/year (purchasing power: $81,189).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Sacramento grew 11.3% from $36.42/hr (2019) to $40.53/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.77/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
For those considering a part-time schedule or per-diem positions, the financial outlook can vary. A physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $52,000 annually, depending on exact hours and pay rates. Per-diem physical therapist assistants in Sacramento typically earn between $32 and $48 per hour. However, many may find stable positions with health benefits, despite lower hourly rates. Contract opportunities in skilled nursing facilities often pay less post the 15% Medicare cut effective in 2022, which pressures wages significantly. It's essential to consider how hourly pay differs across job types, with outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offering higher compensation compared to school therapy programs. When negotiating hourly pay, PTAs in Sacramento should emphasize their specific skills and experience, as the city's cost of living index is slightly above average, impacting overall compensation expectations.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Sacramento in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Sacramento?
Are physical therapist assistants in Sacramento paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Sacramento?
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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 Sacramento. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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