Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Temecula, CA: $41.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Temecula, CA runs $41.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Temecula's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temecula, California, the median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants is projected to be $41.49 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This hourly rate reflects the financial potential in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to lucrative earnings in a profession that often rewards flexibility. The projected hourly range indicates that entry-level positions may start at approximately $27.73, while experienced professionals can earn up to $53.33 per hour, creating ample opportunities for growth in this field. Compensation varies depending on the specific healthcare setting, enabling physical therapist assistants in Temecula to find a niche that aligns with both their professional skills and financial goals.
About the Temecula 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) | $27.73 | $221.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.68 | $293.48 |
| Median (P50) | $41.49 | $331.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.17 | $377.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.33 | $426.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temecula
Based on $41.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.49/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temecula, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,791. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Temecula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temecula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.71 | $7,192 | $86,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.82 | $4,315 | $51,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.88 | $2,877 | $34,522 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Temecula) | $41.49 |
| 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 Temecula, CA earn a median of $86,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.84% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.20% above the California state average of $84,437.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.49/hr = $51,783/year (purchasing power: $45,785).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,305/year (purchasing power: $76,308).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Temecula grew 16.3% from $34.73/hr (2019) to $40.39/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.63/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 Temecula 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 Temecula
For those considering part-time work, a 24-hour week can yield substantial annual income compared to a full-time schedule. Typically, physical therapist assistants engaged in per diem roles earn between $32 and $48 per hour, allowing for flexibility while still maintaining a robust income. Travel contracts can offer even greater earning potential, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per week, though recent Medicare reimbursement cuts have impacted pay structures, especially in skilled nursing facilities. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants varies across employer types, with outpatient clinics typically offering different rates from hospital rehab units or home health agencies. A trade-off often exists between hourly wages and benefits like health insurance, prompting many PTA professionals to weigh their options. Negotiating for hourly rates in Temecula may also require understanding regional pay trends and being prepared to discuss the value one brings to the organization, taking into account local market dynamics and the ongoing impact of policies such as the 15% Medicare cut from 2022.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Temecula in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Temecula?
Are physical therapist assistants in Temecula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Temecula?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Temecula?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Temecula. 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 Temecula 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