Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pasadena, CA: $85,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pasadena, CA earns a median $85,052/year (≈ $40.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,201 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Pasadena, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $85,052, which surpasses the national median of $70,247 by a notable 21.08%. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $59,129 while more experienced professionals may make up to $115,261. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflect the market's demand and the productivity expectations typical of the profession. In Pasadena, where the earning potential is robust, the emphasis on visit-per-day metrics further shapes effective compensation strategies in the local healthcare landscape.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,129 | $28.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,724 | $35.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,052 | $40.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,490 | $48.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,261 | $55.41 |
Median Salary Position
21.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,132 (2026 est.). At $85,052, the local median is 21.08% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $85,052/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $84,377 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +21.08% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $85,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.08% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% above the California state average of $84,377.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,052 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,201 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,181
2025 BLS Actual
$82,792
2026 Current Est.
$85,052
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,181 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,586 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,792 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,374 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $71,181 (2019) to $82,792 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,193 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $59,129 – $73,724 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,724 – $85,052 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,052 – $100,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,490 – $115,261 |
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 Pasadena
With 35 physical therapist assistants currently employed in the Pasadena area, the local job market demonstrates steady demand within the context of California's higher cost of living, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This index indicates that while salaries may appear higher, take-home purchasing power is adjusted for the local economic environment. Among employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics are generally the most lucrative, followed by skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. The salary spread is influenced by factors such as the setting, expectation for patient outcomes, productivity demands, and the effects of Medicare's 15% reimbursement cut on PTA-provided services, especially in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. To maximize pay as a physical therapist assistant in Pasadena, focusing on niche specialties, being flexible with hours, and seeking employment in high-paying environments can be effective strategies for negotiating better compensation.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Pasadena, CA in 2026?
Is Pasadena, CA a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Pasadena?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Pasadena?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Pasadena?
Related Pages
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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 $82,792 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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