Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $40.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tustin, CA runs $40.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,318 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $40.54, physical therapist assistants in Tustin, California, earn significantly more than their counterparts nationally, where the median hourly rate stands at $33.77. This higher compensation reflects Tustin’s cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. For part-time workers typically scheduled three days a week, this rate can translate to solid earnings, allowing flexibility while working about 24 hours a week. Moreover, entry-level positions may start around $27.25 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command as much as $52.31 per hour in Tustin, demonstrating a notable range depending on experience and specific work environments.
About the Tustin 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) | $27.25 | $218.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.50 | $275.97 |
| Median (P50) | $40.54 | $324.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.37 | $370.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.31 | $418.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $40.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.54/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,645. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,621.49 | $7,026 | $84,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $972.89 | $4,216 | $50,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.60 | $2,811 | $33,727 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tustin) | $40.54 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $84,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.03% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% below the California state average of $84,402.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.54/hr = $50,590/year (purchasing power: $44,731).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,317/year (purchasing power: $74,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tustin grew 16.3% from $33.93/hr (2019) to $39.46/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.64/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Focusing on the financial aspects of part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistant pay in Tustin, those working three days a week may earn approximately $50,586 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts but still competitive for part-time positions. Per-diem physical therapist assistants aiming to maximize earnings may find themselves billing between $32 and $48 hourly, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly pay between $1,200 and $1,800. However, while some outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities offer higher hourly rates, they may not provide benefits, compelling many professionals to choose positions with lower pay but better health insurance options. It’s essential for physical therapist assistants to understand their worth in the Tustin job market and negotiate effectively, particularly when balancing hourly rates against the benefits that full-time employment may offer.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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