Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Ana, CA: $42.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Santa Ana, CA runs $42.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Santa Ana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Ana, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $42.99 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive rate offers excellent opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers who often set their schedules in an array of treatment settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. With an hourly range from $27.65 for entry-level positions to $58.13 for top earners, potential PTAs can find roles that best suit their lifestyle choices. Given the city's cost of living index standing at 113.1, this hourly compensation reflects a robust market for physical therapist assistants in Santa Ana, CA, derived from annual salary estimates that speak to the field's value.
About the Santa Ana 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) | $27.65 | $221.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.71 | $285.67 |
| Median (P50) | $42.99 | $343.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.43 | $403.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.13 | $465.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Ana
Based on $42.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.99/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Ana, CA can expect to earn approximately $89,424 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,591. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Ana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Ana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,719.70 | $7,452 | $89,424 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,031.82 | $4,471 | $53,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $687.88 | $2,981 | $35,770 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Santa Ana) | $42.99 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA earn a median of $89,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.30% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.00% above the California state average of $84,366.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.99/hr = $53,655/year (purchasing power: $47,440).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,424/year (purchasing power: $79,067).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Ana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Santa Ana grew 16.3% from $35.98/hr (2019) to $41.85/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.17/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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana
For those considering part-time work as a physical therapist assistant in Santa Ana, working three days a week at 24 hours totals around $45,000 annually, contrasted against full-time positions. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Santa Ana typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, which can be appealing for those juggling multiple commitments or seeking flexibility. Travel contracts can further enhance earnings, offering weekly rates between $1,200 and $1,800. While skilled nursing facilities may provide lower hourly pay due to recent Medicare cuts, other sectors, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and home health agencies, may offer more competitive compensation. PTAs often face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower pay with health insurance. Negotiation strategies for hourly employees are crucial; factors like patient load, scheduling flexibility, and the type of employer can all influence offers in this diverse healthcare landscape in Santa Ana, CA.
More salary data for Santa Ana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Santa Ana in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Santa Ana?
Are physical therapist assistants in Santa Ana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Santa Ana?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Ana?
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 Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana 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