Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lompoc, CA: $83,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Lompoc, CA earns a median $83,525/year (≈ $40.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Lompoc's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Lompoc, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,525, which is 18.90% higher than the national median of $70,247. With a salary range from $59,783 at the 10th percentile to $103,183 at the 90th percentile, these compensation figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost variations. The ability to bridge from PTA to DPT can significantly enhance lifetime earnings, highlighting the career growth potential in this field. With a growing demand for rehabilitation services, Lompoc's job market for physical therapist assistants remains competitive, making it an appealing location for those entering the profession.
About the Lompoc Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,783 | $28.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,299 | $35.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,525 | $40.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,520 | $44.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,183 | $49.61 |
Median Salary Position
18.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lompoc
In Lompoc, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,400 (2026 est.). At $83,525, the local median is 18.9% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Lompoc: You'd be above the median
How Lompoc Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Lompoc median: $83,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lompoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,368 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +18.90% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Lompoc, CA earn a median of $83,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.90% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% below the California state average of $84,368.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lompoc has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lompoc, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,525 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,851 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,902
2025 BLS Actual
$81,305
2026 Current Est.
$83,525
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lompoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,902 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,635 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,805 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lompoc metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $69,902 (2019) to $81,305 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,805 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,903 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lompoc 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) | $59,783 – $73,299 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,299 – $83,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,525 – $93,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,520 – $103,183 |
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 Lompoc
Eight physical therapist assistants are currently employed in Lompoc, suggesting a niche but stable market. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may seem attractive, they are somewhat tempered by higher living expenses. Facilities like outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive pay, while skilled nursing facilities may provide lower compensation due to the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursable therapy services. Wage disparities can also be influenced by factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and weekend shifts which may carry different pay scales. For those looking to maximize their income, pursuing additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, or seeking roles that allow for supervisory duties under a physical therapist could provide pathways to increased earnings in this specific local market.
More salary data for Lompoc, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Lompoc, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Lompoc?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Lompoc?
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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 $81,305 for physical therapist assistantsin the Lompoc 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 Lompoc 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