Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $39.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in South Gate, CA runs $39.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.97, which is significantly higher than the national median of $33.77. This rate is particularly advantageous for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions, as it allows for competitive compensation across various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital inpatient rehab units. The hourly wage spectrum ranges from approximately $29.18 for entry-level positions to around $52.99 for higher-earning professionals, demonstrating the potential for growth in this field. Given that these figures are estimated from annual salary data, they provide a comprehensive view of earning potential based on market demand and regional cost considerations.
About the South Gate 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) | $29.18 | $233.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.87 | $278.93 |
| Median (P50) | $39.97 | $319.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.57 | $372.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.99 | $423.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $39.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.97/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,967. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,598.89 | $6,929 | $83,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $959.33 | $4,157 | $49,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.56 | $2,771 | $33,257 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (South Gate) | $39.97 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $83,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.36% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% below the California state average of $84,408.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.97/hr = $49,885/year (purchasing power: $44,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,142/year (purchasing power: $73,512).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Gate grew 16.3% from $33.45/hr (2019) to $38.91/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.06/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
The prospects for part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week, clocking in around 24 hours, can yield an annual income that remains competitive and enticing, though less than their full-time counterparts. In per-diem roles, compensation often fluctuates, with billing rates typically falling between $32 and $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts can deliver significantly more, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, it’s crucial to consider employer types, as hourly rates can vary substantially in different environments such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy programs. Additionally, many professionals may accept lower pay in exchange for healthcare benefits or a more flexible schedule, which can impact overall compensation discussions. For those new to the field or negotiating rates, understanding the local job market in South Gate and being prepared to advocate for their worth can make a significant difference.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in South Gate?
Are physical therapist assistants in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in South Gate?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Gate?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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