PT Assistant Salary

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $39.89 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in San Leandro, CA runs $39.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,783 per year.

$82,961
Median Annual Salary
$39.89/hr
Hourly Rate
$60,517
Entry Level (P10)
$112,439
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Rate in San Leandro, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
San Leandro, CA physical therapist assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay in San Leandro, California, stands at a median of $39.89. This figure significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $33.77, offering a lucrative opportunity for those in the field. For part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to an annual income that allows for a comfortable living. Per-diem positions, often prevalent in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and other therapy environments, provide flexibility but at a range of earnings—entry-level workers earn about $29.09 per hour, while top earners can command up to $54.06 per hour, reflecting their expertise and experience across varying settings. These estimates are projected from annual salary data, giving a reliable benchmark for prospective PTAs in the area.

About the San Leandro Market

Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$29.09$232.75
Lower Range (P25)$35.55$284.44
Median (P50)$39.89$319.12
Upper Range (P75)$44.87$358.98
Top Earners (P90)$54.06$432.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro

Based on $39.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a physical therapist assistant in San Leandro earning $39.89/hr would make approximately $47,868 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $82,971 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$47,868Reduced (32 hr/wk)$63,824Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$82,971

At $39.89/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,868. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$319.12
per 8hr shift
$1,595.60
per week
$6,914
per month
$82,971
per year

Schedule Comparison in San Leandro

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,595.60$6,914$82,971
Part-Time (24 hrs)$957.36$4,149$49,783
Per Diem (16 hrs)$638.24$2,766$33,189

Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Physical Therapist Assistant (San Leandro)$39.89
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing physical therapist assistant median salary in San Leandro ($82,961) with California average ($84,395) and the US national median ($70,247).San Leandro$82,961California Avg$84,395-1.70%US National$70,247+18.10%

Physical Therapist Assistants in San Leandro, CA earn a median of $82,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.10% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.70% below the California state average of $84,395.

Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $39.89/hr = $49,783/year (purchasing power: $44,017).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,971/year (purchasing power: $73,361).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$33.38/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$38.83/hr

2026 Current Est.

$39.89/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+22.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Leandro (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for physical therapist assistants in San Leandro. Baseline $33.38/hr in 2025, projected to $40.98/hr by 2027.$32$35$38$40$432019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$33.38$33.94$34.74$35.64$36.39$41.69$38.83$39.89$40.98
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$33.38/hrActual
2020$33.94/hrActual
2021$34.74/hrActual
2022$35.64/hrActual
2023$36.39/hrActual
2024$41.69/hrActual
2025$38.83/hrActual
2026(current)$39.89/hrEstimated
2027$40.98/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Leandro grew 16.3% from $33.38/hr (2019) to $38.83/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.98/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Leandro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 San Leandro

Analyzing the earning potential for physical therapist assistants in San Leandro reveals interesting disparities, particularly for those seeking part-time opportunities. For a typical three-day workweek totaling around 24 hours, a physical therapist assistant can expect to net approximately $49,950 annually, while full-time earners see their incomes substantially higher. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in San Leandro varies widely, generally billing between $32 and $48 per hour, and travel PTA contracts offer even more lucrative opportunities, sometimes ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, many skilled nursing facilities provide lower rates due to the impact of the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which has constrained pay rates in these heavily Medicare-reliant environments. The setting also affects hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to pay competitively compared to pediatric therapy clinics or school programs. For PTAs, choosing a position may involve weighing the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance. Strong negotiation skills become essential for hourly workers, particularly in a diverse market like San Leandro, where the right approach can lead to more favorable compensation packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Leandro in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Leandro is $39.89/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.73% annual growth). Rates range from $29.09 at entry level (10th percentile) to $54.06 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 18.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in San Leandro?

A part-time physical therapist assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in San Leandro earns approximately $4,149/month, or $49,783/year at the median hourly rate of $39.89. Many physical therapist assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are physical therapist assistants in San Leandro paid hourly or salary?

The majority of physical therapist assistants in San Leandro are paid hourly at a median rate of $39.89/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $82,971/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in San Leandro?

A full-time physical therapist assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in San Leandro earns approximately $82,971/year at the median hourly rate of $39.89. This is 18.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $112,438/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Leandro?

Part-time and per diem physical therapist assistants in San Leandro sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $54.06/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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 San Leandro. 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 San Leandro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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