Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $83,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $83,395/year (≈ $40.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Hawthorne, California, the estimated median annual salary of $83,395 in 2026 signals a robust earning potential, particularly when contrasted with the national median of $70,247. This salary range spans from $54,942 at the 10th percentile to $105,769 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant room for growth as PTAs increase their experience and possibly bridge to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which is above the national average. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, job opportunities for PTAs in Hawthorne are likely to be stable, enhancing the local job market for this occupation.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,942 | $26.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,864 | $36.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,395 | $40.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,288 | $45.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,769 | $50.85 |
Median Salary Position
18.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,827 (2026 est.). At $83,395, the local median is 18.72% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be above the median
How Hawthorne Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $83,395/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,408 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +18.72% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $83,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.72% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.20% below the California state average of $84,408.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,395 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,736 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,794
2025 BLS Actual
$81,179
2026 Current Est.
$83,395
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,074 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $69,794 (2019) to $81,179 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,878 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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) | $54,942 – $74,864 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,864 – $83,395 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,395 – $94,288 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,288 – $105,769 |
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 Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, where 13 physical therapist assistants are currently employed, the cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that take-home pay must be carefully managed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the highest salaries, while skilled nursing facilities may see income suppressed by the recent 15% Medicare cuts impacting PTAs. The discrepancy in pay arises from the varying settings, productivity expectations, and additional compensation for weekend or PRN shifts. To maximize financial outcomes in this competitive environment, PTAs should seek positions in higher-paying settings and consider further education to enhance their qualifications and marketability. Additionally, understanding the financial implications of Medicare adjustments, especially as they apply to service delivery in different rehab environments, can empower PTAs to navigate their career path effectively in Hawthorne.
More salary data for Hawthorne, 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
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 $81,179 for physical therapist assistantsin the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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