Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Norwalk, CA: $83,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Norwalk, CA earns a median $83,785/year (≈ $40.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Norwalk's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,080 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A projected median annual salary of $83,785 for physical therapist assistants in Norwalk, California, reflects a notable premium over the national average of $70,247. With salaries ranging from $58,605 at the lower end to $111,000 at the upper tier, this robust pay structure highlights the shifting market dynamics following the Medicare cuts to reimbursement rates. The local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, reveal how the landscape for physical therapist assistants has adapted, particularly as outpatient settings evolve post-reimbursement reductions and the focus shifts toward optimizing care within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health services.
About the Norwalk Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,605 | $28.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,145 | $34.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,785 | $40.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,417 | $46.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,000 | $53.37 |
Median Salary Position
19.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norwalk
In Norwalk, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,395 (2026 est.). At $83,785, the local median is 19.27% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norwalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norwalk Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Norwalk median: $83,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norwalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,375 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +19.27% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Norwalk, CA earn a median of $83,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.27% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.70% below the California state average of $84,375.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norwalk has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norwalk, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,785 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,080 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,120
2025 BLS Actual
$81,558
2026 Current Est.
$83,785
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,867 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norwalk metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $70,120 (2019) to $81,558 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,952 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norwalk 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) | $58,605 – $71,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,145 – $83,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,785 – $97,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,417 – $111,000 |
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 Norwalk
Employment for physical therapist assistants in Norwalk stands at approximately 22, providing a stable if selective job market in an area with a cost of living index of 113.1, indicating higher living expenses compared to the national average. This economic backdrop means that take-home pay is crucial for maintaining a quality lifestyle. While outpatient orthopedic clinics may be among the highest-paying employers, the disparities in compensation—often driven by the specific practice setting—are significant. Factors influencing salaries include productivity demands, work settings, and any added compensation for weekend shifts or PRN responsibilities. To maximize earning potential in Norwalk, physical therapist assistants should consider seeking positions in higher-paying outpatient facilities or specialized rehabilitation centers while also exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge programs to enhance their qualifications and marketability as the profession continues to evolve under changing healthcare policies.
More salary data for Norwalk, 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 $81,558 for physical therapist assistantsin the Norwalk 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 Norwalk 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