Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in San Luis Obispo, CA: $39.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in San Luis Obispo, CA runs $39.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,146 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against San Luis Obispo's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.6, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,693 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Luis Obispo, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $39.02, significantly above the national median of $33.77. This higher pay scale makes positions in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits particularly attractive for both part-time and per-diem workers. For instance, a physical therapist assistant working three days a week could expect to earn $624 weekly, allowing flexibility while still providing robust financial support. Entry-level positions may start at $29.03, but with experience, earnings can approach $47.41 per hour, illustrating the potential for growth in this career path. The numbers provided are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the competitive landscape for physical therapist assistants in the area.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.03 | $232.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.86 | $286.90 |
| Median (P50) | $39.02 | $312.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.38 | $331.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.41 | $379.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Luis Obispo
Based on $39.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.02/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Luis Obispo, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,820. With a cost-of-living index of 108.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Luis Obispo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Luis Obispo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,560.67 | $6,763 | $81,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.40 | $4,058 | $48,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.27 | $2,705 | $32,462 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (San Luis Obispo) | $39.02 |
| 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 San Luis Obispo, CA earn a median of $81,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.52% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the California state average of $84,440.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.02/hr = $48,693/year (purchasing power: $44,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,155/year (purchasing power: $74,731).
CoL index: 108.596 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in San Luis Obispo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Luis Obispo grew 22.9% from $30.90/hr (2019) to $37.98/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.08/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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo
Part-time employment for physical therapist assistants offers a unique financial scenario. Those working 24 hours a week, for example, could see an annual income of around $61,376, considerably less than full-time counterparts, yet still a viable option for those seeking balance. For those pursuing per diem roles, the pay typically ranges from $32 to $48, allowing for a tailored work-life fit. Contract work often pays even more, with travel PTA positions yielding $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, compensation can vary significantly across different employers in San Luis Obispo; skilled nursing facilities, with recent Medicare cuts, may offer lower wages compared to outpatient orthopedic clinics or school therapy programs. Benefits are a factor, as some prefer slightly lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, a consideration worth weighing during negotiations. Understanding these options and being aware of local market rates enhance any PTA's ability to negotiate effectively in this dynamic job environment.
More salary data for San Luis Obispo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in San Luis Obispo in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in San Luis Obispo?
Are physical therapist assistants in San Luis Obispo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in San Luis Obispo?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Luis Obispo?
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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 San Luis Obispo. 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