Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $84,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $84,501/year (≈ $40.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the evolving context of physical therapist assistant salaries in Chula Vista, the 2026 median annual pay stands at an impressive $84,501, reflecting a noteworthy increase when compared to the national median of $70,247. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $53,092 and the highest 90% reaching $113,083. These figures, projecting from 2025 BLS data, indicate that while the overall market shows robust compensation, the impact of the recent Medicare cuts reshaping the outpatient and skilled nursing facility (SNF) sectors must also be considered. This adjustment in payer reimbursement has notably affected the financial landscape for PTAs, requiring adaptability and focus on the most lucrative practice settings within Chula Vista.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,092 | $25.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,337 | $35.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,501 | $40.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,221 | $47.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,083 | $54.36 |
Median Salary Position
20.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,991 (2026 est.). At $84,501, the local median is 20.29% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be above the median
How Chula Vista Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $84,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,416 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +20.29% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $84,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.29% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.10% above the California state average of $84,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,501 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,714 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,719
2025 BLS Actual
$82,255
2026 Current Est.
$84,501
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,719 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,082 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $70,719 (2019) to $82,255 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,088 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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) | $53,092 – $74,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,337 – $84,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,501 – $98,221 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,221 – $113,083 |
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 Chula Vista
With 51 physical therapist assistants currently employed in the area, the job market reflects a competitive environment, especially considering the cost of living index of 113.1. This figure suggests that while salaries may appear robust, the local economy presents challenges in purchasing power. Employers in Chula Vista that offer higher pay tend to include outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities, where job demands and supervision requirements drive compensation levels. The disparity in pay can be traced back to setting differences, with hospital roles tending to offer more than outpatient services due to the intensity of supervision and treatment needs tied to patient acuity. For PTAs aiming to maximize their earning potential, pursuing positions within higher-paying environments, seeking additional certifications, or considering shifts to facilities less reliant on Medicare reimbursement can enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Chula Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Chula Vista, CA in 2026?
Is Chula Vista, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Chula Vista?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Chula Vista?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Chula Vista?
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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 $82,255 for physical therapist assistantsin the Chula Vista 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 Chula Vista 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