Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $83,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $83,849/year (≈ $40.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those working as physical therapist assistants in Apple Valley, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $83,849, significantly above the national median of $70,247, marking an increase of 19.36% over the national figure. Local estimates reveal a full salary range spanning from $55,971 at the 10th percentile to $107,043 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect the adjustments tied to local costs and the compensation dynamics resulting from changes in the health care environment, particularly post-Medicare cuts. With a focus on outpatient settings following the 15% reimbursement reduction, the Apple Valley job market for physical therapists has evolved, influencing salary levels driven by the demand for skilled rehabilitation services amidst shifting care models.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,971 | $26.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,820 | $36.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,849 | $40.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,477 | $45.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,043 | $51.47 |
Median Salary Position
19.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,072 (2026 est.). At $83,849, the local median is 19.36% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be above the median
How Apple Valley Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $83,849/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,440 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +19.36% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $83,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.36% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the California state average of $84,440.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,849 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,137 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,174
2025 BLS Actual
$81,621
2026 Current Est.
$83,849
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,344 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,925 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,488 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,138 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $70,174 (2019) to $81,621 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,138 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,964 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,971 – $75,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,820 – $83,849 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,849 – $95,477 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,477 – $107,043 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Apple Valley
The employment market in Apple Valley is currently home to 19 physical therapist assistants, which shows limited opportunities in this specific location but also signifies a potential for targeted growth within the industry. The local cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, indicating a higher expense for residents compared to the national average, which affects overall purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries among potential employers, while skilled nursing facilities have seen wage compressions due to Medicare adjustments. The disparity in compensation is influenced by productivity expectations, supervision requirements, and the impact of recent legislative changes on reimbursement. Physical therapist assistants looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing positions in higher-paying outpatient practices or expanding their qualifications through bridge programs to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree for enhanced career advancement in Apple Valley, CA.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Apple Valley, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Apple Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Apple Valley?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Apple Valley?
Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,621 for physical therapist assistantsin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley 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