Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tracy, CA: $39.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tracy, CA runs $39.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,998 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tracy's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,193 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tracy, California, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $39.42, significantly above the national median of $33.77. This robust hourly rate allows for lucrative opportunities for part-time work or per-diem roles, often found in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy spaces. Entry-level professionals typically start around $28.08 per hour, while top earners can make up to $51.09. The higher-than-average pay in Tracy reflects the local cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, and indicates competitive compensation for skilled practitioners in this essential healthcare field. The hourly rates provided derive from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a growing demand for physical therapist assistants in the area.
About the Tracy 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) | $28.08 | $224.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.60 | $276.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.42 | $315.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.21 | $369.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.09 | $408.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tracy
Based on $39.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.42/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tracy, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,988 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,301. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tracy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tracy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,576.70 | $6,832 | $81,988 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $946.02 | $4,099 | $49,193 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.68 | $2,733 | $32,795 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tracy) | $39.42 |
| 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 Tracy, CA earn a median of $81,998 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.73% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the California state average of $84,360.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.42/hr = $49,193/year (purchasing power: $43,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,988/year (purchasing power: $72,492).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tracy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tracy grew 16.3% from $32.99/hr (2019) to $38.37/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.49/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 Tracy 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 Tracy
Transitioning into the financial implications of part-time work, those choosing to work three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can anticipate annual earnings around $49,000 before taxes. This contrasts starkly with full-time workers who maximize their earning potential, demonstrating how employment choices can affect financial outcomes. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Tracy typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel PTA contracts might offer between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly. However, some agency work, especially in skilled nursing facilities, may see reduced pay due to the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022. Differences in hourly pay can also be influenced by the type of employer, with outpatient clinics generally offering more favorable rates compared to hospitals or school therapy programs. For PTAs negotiating their pay, understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and health benefits becomes essential, as some might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for job security and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
More salary data for Tracy, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tracy 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 Tracy. 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 Tracy 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