Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Oceanside, CA: $85,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Oceanside, CA earns a median $85,667/year (≈ $41.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Oceanside's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,744 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oceanside, California, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants is $85,667 in 2026, considerably higher than the national median of $70,247, presenting an attractive opportunity for those in the field. The salary range extends from $56,171 at the lower end (P10) to $111,746 at the upper end (P90), reflecting a significant earnings potential based on experience and work setting. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, indicate that the PTA market remains robust in this coastal city. The anticipated salary growth, coupled with the possibility of advancing to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree—a pathway encouraged by the APTA—can further enhance lifetime earnings for PTAs navigating their careers in Oceanside.
About the Oceanside Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,171 | $27.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,757 | $34.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,667 | $41.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,567 | $47.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,746 | $53.73 |
Median Salary Position
21.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oceanside
In Oceanside, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,575 (2026 est.). At $85,667, the local median is 21.95% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oceanside: You'd be above the median
How Oceanside Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Oceanside median: $85,667/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oceanside Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,401 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +21.95% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Oceanside, CA earn a median of $85,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.95% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 1.50% above the California state average of $84,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oceanside has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oceanside, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,667 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,744 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,695
2025 BLS Actual
$83,390
2026 Current Est.
$85,667
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Oceanside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,549 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,005 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oceanside metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,695 (2019) to $83,390 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,005 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,310 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oceanside 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) | $56,171 – $71,757 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,757 – $85,667 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,667 – $98,567 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,567 – $111,746 |
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 Oceanside
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Oceanside is noteworthy, with 28 professionals currently employed in the area. Given that the cost of living index is 113.1, which is above the national average, take-home pay becomes a crucial consideration for PTAs. Employers in Oceanside, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, often offer varying compensation levels along with productivity expectations that can drive pay disparities. Factors such as weekend premiums and supervision responsibilities impact earnings as well. To maximize their salaries in Oceanside, PTAs should consider gaining experience in high-paying settings like outpatient clinics or pursuing specialized skills that align with market demand. Understanding the local dynamics, alongside the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that affected many PTAs, is essential for navigating their career advancement and salary potential effectively.
More salary data for Oceanside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Oceanside, CA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Oceanside?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Oceanside?
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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 $83,390 for physical therapist assistantsin the Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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