Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in La Habra, CA: $81,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in La Habra, CA earns a median $81,503/year (≈ $39.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in La Habra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,063 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in La Habra are projected to earn a median annual salary of $81,503, significantly higher than the national median of $70,247. This salary range reflects a spectrum of earning potential from $57,180 at the 10th percentile to $107,569 at the 90th percentile, indicating that experience, specialization, and work setting greatly influence compensation. These estimates stem from BLS state-level data coupled with regional cost of living adjustments, particularly relevant in La Habra, where the higher cost of living can impact purchasing power. As emerging professionals consider their paths, transitioning from a PTA to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can enhance lifetime earning potential, helping those in the field capitalize on a growing demand for skilled rehab professionals.
About the La Habra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,180 | $27.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,952 | $34.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,503 | $39.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,856 | $45.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,569 | $51.71 |
Median Salary Position
16.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Habra
In La Habra, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,389 (2026 est.). At $81,503, the local median is 16.02% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in La Habra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How La Habra Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
La Habra median: $81,503/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Habra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,372 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +16.02% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in La Habra, CA earn a median of $81,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% below the California state average of $84,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Habra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Habra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,503 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,063 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,210
2025 BLS Actual
$79,337
2026 Current Est.
$81,503
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,347 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,828 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,728 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Habra metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $68,210 (2019) to $79,337 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,728 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,518 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Habra 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) | $57,180 – $70,952 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,952 – $81,503 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,503 – $94,856 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,856 – $107,569 |
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 La Habra
The job market in La Habra currently features 16 physical therapist assistants, with a local cost of living index of 113.1, suggesting a higher-than-average cost that influences take-home salaries. Among various employment options, outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities often provide the most competitive pay due to their ongoing demand and higher productivity expectations. However, the impact of the 15% Medicare cut has caused compensation differences across settings, particularly affecting SNFs and outpatient facilities. Factors such as working weekends or in per diem roles can lead to additional premiums that boost earnings. To maximize pay in La Habra, PTAs should consider seeking positions in higher-paying environments or pursuing further education through PTA-to-DPT bridge programs, which can also help offset regional cost challenges and enhance job stability.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in La Habra, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in La Habra?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in La Habra?
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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 $79,337 for physical therapist assistantsin the La Habra 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 La Habra 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