Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $41.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tulare, CA runs $41.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, California, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $41.00. This figure is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $33.77, indicating that PTAs in this part of CA enjoy a favorable compensation landscape. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this average hourly wage can significantly influence their take-home pay, especially in common settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Tulare spans from approximately $28.45 for entry-level positions to about $52.24 for top earners, making it possible for PTAs to carve out successful careers while flexibly accommodating varying work schedules. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries in 2026, paint a promising picture for individuals entering this essential healthcare field.
About the Tulare 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) | $28.45 | $227.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.45 | $283.62 |
| Median (P50) | $41.00 | $328.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.59 | $372.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.24 | $417.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $41.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.00/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,279 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,199. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,639.98 | $7,107 | $85,279 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.99 | $4,264 | $51,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.99 | $2,843 | $34,112 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tulare) | $41.00 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $85,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.39% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% above the California state average of $84,429.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.00/hr = $51,167/year (purchasing power: $45,241).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,279/year (purchasing power: $75,401).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tulare grew 16.3% from $34.31/hr (2019) to $39.91/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.12/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
When considering the practical aspects of a part-time physical therapist assistant's earnings, those working 24 hours per week can earn a respectable income. Specifically, such PTAs, engaged in multiple work settings, can see their annual earnings contrasted with full-time counterparts. Per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Tulare ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, allowing for substantial flexibility and potential quick earnings, while travel PTA contracts can net $1,200 to $1,800 weekly. However, opportunities in skilled nursing facilities may present lower hourly rates due to recent Medicare cuts impacting reimbursement, effectively compressing pay in these environments. Different employer types, such as outpatient clinics or hospitals, often provide varying rates driven by their specific funding structures. It’s also common for PTAs to weigh hourly earnings against benefits when choosing roles; accepting a lower hourly rate may lead to more comprehensive health insurance options. For those negotiating rates, being well-informed about local trends is crucial and can greatly impact both immediate earnings and future opportunities in the field.
More salary data for Tulare, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tulare in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Tulare?
Are physical therapist assistants in Tulare paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Tulare?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tulare?
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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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