Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Rosa, CA: $43.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Santa Rosa, CA runs $43.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,683 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Santa Rosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.8, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,808 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Rosa, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $43.12 for 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This competitive rate offers substantial earning potential for part-time workers in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage can translate into a solid income, allowing flexibility while delivering essential services. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in the area spans from $32.31 for entry-level positions to $53.97 for top earners, showcasing a healthy financial outlook supported by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.31 | $258.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.15 | $297.18 |
| Median (P50) | $43.12 | $344.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.43 | $403.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.97 | $431.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Rosa
Based on $43.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.12/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Rosa, CA can expect to earn approximately $89,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,739. With a cost-of-living index of 107.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Rosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Rosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,724.63 | $7,473 | $89,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,034.78 | $4,484 | $53,808 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $689.85 | $2,989 | $35,872 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Santa Rosa) | $43.12 |
| 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 Rosa, CA earn a median of $89,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.67% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 6.30% above the California state average of $84,368.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.12/hr = $53,808/year (purchasing power: $49,923).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,681/year (purchasing power: $83,204).
CoL index: 107.784 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Santa Rosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Santa Rosa grew 17.7% from $35.67/hr (2019) to $41.97/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.29/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 Rosa 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 Rosa
Evaluating the earnings landscape further reveals impressive opportunities for part-time physical therapist assistants. A typical three-day workweek, amounting to approximately 24 hours, could yield an estimated annual income considerably less than that of full-time professionals. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Santa Rosa averages between $32 and $48 per hour, providing appealing options for those who prefer flexible scheduling or contract work. However, these per-diem roles can vary by employer type, with outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities offering different rates influenced by local market conditions. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may take temporary contracts that pay up to $1,800 a week but usually lack additional compensation. To maximize earning potential in this competitive field, physical therapist assistants should consider negotiating for better hourly wages based on their experience level and the specifics of their work environment.
More salary data for Santa Rosa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Santa Rosa in 2026?
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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 Rosa. 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