Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $85,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $85,186/year (≈ $40.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,319 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual physical therapist assistant salary in Moreno Valley, California, of $85,186 for 2026, this figure is notably higher than the national median of $70,247. The local salary range extends from $57,582 at the 10th percentile to $115,875 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential among PTAs. These estimates, reflective of a combination of BLS state-level data and regional price parities, indicate a strong compensation landscape following the structural changes introduced by Medicare cuts. Shifts in outpatient services versus skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are reshaping the employment dynamics for physical therapist assistants, making the local job market particularly competitive for those entering the field.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,582 | $27.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,818 | $35.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,186 | $40.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,025 | $49.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,875 | $55.71 |
Median Salary Position
21.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,293 (2026 est.). At $85,186, the local median is 21.27% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $85,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,426 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +21.27% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $85,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% above the California state average of $84,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,186 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,319 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,293
2025 BLS Actual
$82,922
2026 Current Est.
$85,186
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,293 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,191 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,119 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,922 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,293 (2019) to $82,922 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,218 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno 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) | $57,582 – $72,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,818 – $85,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,186 – $102,025 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,025 – $115,875 |
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 Moreno Valley
Analyzing the job market, there are currently 53 physical therapist assistants employed in Moreno Valley, CA, a clear indication of demand in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, professionals face increased living expenses that affect their take-home pay. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies are likely to offer varying pay scales, with hospitals generally providing higher compensation due to their resource allocations. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to role settings, with hospital-based positions typically offering more robust benefits and pay than outpatient settings impacted by the Medicare 15% cut. To maximize salary potential in Moreno Valley, PTAs should consider seeking roles in higher-paying establishments, taking on weekend assignments, or pursuing specialized skills that could justify increased productivity expectations.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Moreno Valley, CA in 2026?
Is Moreno Valley, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Moreno Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Moreno Valley?
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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 $82,922 for physical therapist assistantsin the Moreno 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 Moreno 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